John Garratt Young, of Towson, passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Born in Baltimore in 1955 to Anne Griffiths Young and Samuel J. Young, John “Jay” Young grew up in the West Inverness neighborhood of Dundalk, MD. He lived many of his adult years in Salisbury and Ocean Pines, MD.

Jay is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie Ditch Young, and two sons, Tyler Young and Garratt Young.  Jay was brother to Joan Hoffman (Don), Thom Young, Jim Young (Cindi), and Matt Young (Heather). He was proud to call Tyler’s wife, Eleanor Eaton, and Garratt’s wife, Carrie Young, his daughters through marriage. Jay’s three grandchildren, Charlotte, Luke, and Hazel Young always filled his days with joy and happiness. Jay is also survived by a large extended family and many lifelong friends.

Jay earned a bachelor’s degree from Salisbury State College where he was a radio disc jockey known as “Mr. Sandman”. His music appreciation was contagious and shared with many. While at Salisbury, he developed a deep love of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. He was a successful manager for Sherwin Williams for over 30 years, leading many facilities including Ocean City and Millsboro, DE. He was a lifelong lover of sports, beginning with his hometown Orioles. Later, he became a true fan of Salisbury Lacrosse and attended many games with friends and family. He loved road trips and achieved his goal of visiting every one of the 50 states. Always a student of history, he visited many National Parks and historical sites. At home he enjoyed reading, working on puzzles, and spending time with his family. His time here will be cherished forever.

A graveside service for the family will be held the morning of Friday, August 22, 2025, at Druid Ridge Cemetery.

All are welcome to attend a brief church service at 1:00 pm on Friday, August 22, 2025 at Divinity Lutheran Church in Towson, MD (1220 Providence Road, Towson, MD 21286). A reception at the church will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Anne and Sam Young Scholarship through the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.

Directions for Giving:

Online: Go to CFES.org/donate. In the drop-down menu, select, “Other Fund”, then in the comments field, type: “Anne and Sam Young Scholarship”.

Mail Checks to: Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, 1324 Belmont Avenue, Ste 401, Salisbury, MD, 21804. Please note: “Anne and Sam Young Scholarship”.