25 April, 2024
Dr. Jeremiah O’Brien Young passed away peacefully Sunday morning, April 21, 2024, at 87 years old. He was with his beloved wife, Beverly, at his home in Milford, Massachusetts, surrounded by many members of his loving family. Jerry was the youngest of five children born to Sidney Washburn and Sumner Bachelor Young in Wayzata, Minnesota. He grew up fishing, skiing, and traveling with his siblings, Elisabeth, Sidney, Rosamond, and Sumner. We celebrate his accomplished life and take comfort knowing he is reunited with his parents and siblings in heaven.
Jerry attended Breck Military Academy, where he was the captain of his high school football team. After graduating from Yale in 1958, Jerry began his studies at Boston University Medical School. During this time, he welcomed four children from a previous marriage: Michael, John, Elisabeth and Robert. Jerry was drafted into the U.S. Army Reserves during his residency training for four years as a part of the Berry Plan, joining the active Army soon after the Tet Offensive. Jerry was deployed to Vietnam with the 85th Combat Hospital Unit (serving at the Second Surgical Hospital – “Second to None”) as General Surgeon from June 1968 – June 1969 with a promotion to Major while in country. Family was a foremost thought for him there, and he memorably recorded books on tape so that he could connect with his children from overseas.
Jerry had a successful surgical practice at Framingham Union Hospital, and could trace his interest in medicine as a 12-year-old when his mother took him to the Minneapolis Mayo-Clinic to watch open heart surgery. He was universally adored by patients, hospital staff and all who encountered him during his 30-year career. He was a warm, gentle, and compassionate soul, as well as a dedicated and highly skilled physician and surgeon who brought comfort and high-quality care to all. Notably, in 1990 Jerry was the one of the first general surgeons in New England to perform a less-invasive laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery. He was a leader in introducing, demonstrating, and teaching this much improved approach. Jerry was also one of the first physicians to urge more conservative treatment of breast cancer incorporating stereotactics needle core biopsies. He published articles, cowritten with Dr. Norm Sadowsky of the Sagoff Breast Imaging & Diagnostic Center, on the correlation of Breast Mammography and palpable breast lumps.
In 1987, Jerry married the woman who would become the love of his life, companion, and partner, Beverly Pearson. Lovingly named Papa and Doc, Jerry was quickly embraced by Beverly's daughters, Jodi and Kelli, and other family members, including: Rick, Anni, Sunni, Michael, John, Chet and Eleanor. Together, Jerry and Bev hosted innumerable extended family gatherings at their home in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, which was open to all. There was much love and happy memories created there.
Jerry's passions included skiing, golfing, fly-fishing, traveling, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. He was also an avid reader with a vast curiosity across many subjects. Jerry was an accomplished sailor throughout his life, culminating in a Master's Captain license. Papa was a devoted grandfather, and he was a fixed presence for over three decades of activities of his beloved grandchildren: Robert, Kathleen, Sumner, Ryan, Lauren, Cameron, Meaghan, Kerri, Laci, Hayes, and Alli. Papa’s family continued to grow with three great grandchildren: Madeleine, Everett, and Samantha. He is privileged to have many nieces and nephews across the country, all of whom adored him.
Jerry played an active role in his community as a member of the Boston Paulist Community Center for over 35 years. He participated as part of the Boston Marathon medical team for a number of years. He was a member of the American College of Surgeons for over 30 years. He was an avid Patriots and Red Sox fan.
Jerry was blessed to have been born into a family with deep historical roots into this country. In fact, he was named after a relative, Captain Jeremiah O'Brien, who was a hero in the Revolutionary War, having achieved the country's first naval victory in the "Battle of Machias." Jerry was quietly proud of this historical legacy, which he loved to share with his children.
His many canine companions were dear to him. While Hero has stayed behind, Kaisa, Judy, Cody, Obi, and Kinley are on a long walk with him now. The family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time. In Jerry’s memory, please consider contributions to: the Boston Paulist Center (paulistcenter.org/give/ways-to-give) or Doctors Without Borders (doctorswithoutborders.org).
Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 3rd from 4pm to 7pm at Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St, Ashland, MA. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Saturday, May 4th at 11am at the Boston Paulist Community Center at 5 Park Street, Boston, MA. Light reception to follow the Mass. Burial will be private for family members at a separate time.
