Barry Keith Young

Dr. Barry Keith Young, an educator in the Baltimore City Public Schools transitioned on October 28, 2021 at Sinai Hospital due to Covid-19. He was 69 years old. Dr. Barry Keith Young was the sixth of seven children born to Lucine Anita and Donald Kenneth Young, Sr. on May 20, 1952 in Baltimore, Maryland. Barry attended Baltimore City Public Schools and graduated from Forest Park High School in 1969. After which he attended Baltimore City Community College. However, he received a scholarship to The University of Maryland, College Park where he majored in Communications and Broadcasting. While there he practiced his craft as a DJ for Maryland’s radio station where he emceed the top concerts such as Isaac Hayes, during his stay. Barry was one of the founding line members of Omega Psi Phi at College Park. He has always been proud of being an Omega Man; as well as being proud of his fellow brothers. Barry volunteered at WEAA as an on-air personality for a period of time and later became the General Manager (1986-1989). In 1979 Barry met his soon to be wife, Margo Lee Jackson-Villanova while they both worked at the Mayor’s office of Manpower Resources. They married on July 5, 1981. With this union Barry joined his wife Margo and became a member of The Beth-El Temple Church of Christ (formerly, The Highway Church of Christ) under the leadership of the late Apostle Robert Evans, Jr. He and his wife Margo were loyal members who raised their five children there, and headed the Marriage and Family Enrichment Committee. As life shifts and changes, so did Barry; he became an educator like his wife Margo who had been an educator since 1973, with the exception of the one year when she met Mr. Young! Teaching is not easy, but Barry took whole heartedly embraced every moment! He earned his MA in Educational Leadership at Notre Dame of Maryland University and his Ed.D in Christian Education at The North Carolina College of Theology. During Dr. Young’s 29 Years of working for Baltimore City Public Schools, he served as an English Teacher, Director of Abacus, Technology Administrator, Business Manager and Educational Associate. When he served as a teacher, he generally preferred seniors and didn’t quite realize that he had a tremendous affect on Freshmen! One of his co-workers who teaches seniors shared that he instilled self-esteem in his students back in the 8th grade and the students did not forget the mantra that they practiced daily. Barry always had a smile and kind word for everyone. He was a people person who could bring light into a room. Barry loved family and extended that love and smile to friends of the family. His grandchildren knew that granddad, grandfather, Papah would always “bend”. He enjoyed watching their shows with them and sharing snacks (cookies)! Whenever he went fishing, biking or golfing it was always the fellowship that he enjoyed the most. Football, football was an opportunity to get excited, yell etc.; whether he was alone, or the room was packed! He enjoyed hosting family gatherings; it was just going to be FUN! Oh, until the Taboo game came out! Barry was preceded in death by his parents Lucine and Donald K. Young, Sr. two brothers Donald and Arthur and his sister Norma Young-Wyatt. Barry Keith Young leaves to cherish great memories; his beloved wife Margo J. Young; his sons, Bolivia “Bo” Villanova, CPT, USA, Ret. (Riina), Minister Damien “Omar” Villanova, Gunnery Sergeant, USMC, Ret. (Tannis, USMC Veteran) and Lawrence F. Ace Young; two loving daughters, Carita L. Young-Chinonn and Margaret Theresa Young, SPC, U.S. Army Veteran; Grandchildren Dakwon Menefee, SSG, U.S. Army (Miranda), Cameron Villanova, Olivia Villanova, Lauryn Villanova, Isaiah Villanova, Lydia Villanova, Charlotte (Charlie) Chinonn, Xavier Chinonn. Great grandchildren Dakwon Menefee Jr. and Isabella Menefee. A sister Theresa Smith (Melvin), two brothers, Roger Young (Gwen) and Frederick Young (Rose) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National Museum of African American History & Culture: nmaahc.si.edu/connect/give

Tributes

Barry Keith Young

May 20, 1952 - October 28, 2021