Isaac E. Young, a longtime lawyer, a former mayor of Olivette and former board chairman of Camp Wyman, died Monday, May 9, 2016. He was 88 years old and a longtime resident of Olivette. He had struggled for many years with a number of serious illnesses, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia for more than 15 years.

Mr. Young was born in St. Louis on Feb. 27, 1928, the son of Louis and Rose Zuckerman Young. He was married for 62 years to Marilyn P. Heiman Young. They had four children and 12 grandchildren.

Mr. Young attended Washington University, graduating from its Music School and the School of Law in 1952. He practiced law in Maplewood until his death. 

In addition to serving as mayor of Olivette, he also was a member of the Olivette City Council and was municipal judge in that city for 12 years.

Mr. Young was instrumental in acquiring additional property for Camp Wyman, a free summer camp for children in need, and helping it to expand its physical space and programs. The facility in Eureka was named after Frank Wyman and grew from a small number of campers to more than 400. It also provides programs to help needy children break out of poverty.

Mr. Young also was an advocate for the Logos School, was active with the Maplewood Chamber of Commerce and received numerous awards for his civic activities. He funded Zephyr Park in Maplewood and was active with the Kiwanis Club, which sponsored Camp Wyman.

He was an avid tennis player, gardener, world traveler,  music enthusiast and philanthropist, and was described by his children and grandchildren as a loving family man, father and grandfather.

A funeral service was held Friday, May 13, at Kol Rinah, where Rabbi Jeffrey B. Stiffman, emeritus of Congregation Shaare Emeth, officiated.

In his eulogy, Stiffman said: “Isaac Young was a unique man who always acted upon his principles and beliefs. It is fitting that this service be held in this synagogue, which he held so dear. He was not only a knowledgeable Jew, he put his Judaism to work in his everyday life. He lived the priorities of his faith: family, friendship, fidelity to the law, love of the Earth, aid for the needy and civic leadership.”

Each of Mr. Young’s four children offered words of tribute to their father, and his 12 grandchildren offered a joint statement.

Mr. Young’s eldest child, David Young, said: “He worked long hours but made sure we always took family vacations together. … I will miss his intellect, his warmth, his sharp sense of humor and caring.” 

In their statement, the grandchildren said: “Grandpa instilled in us a love for the Jewish traditions. He presided over some pretty eventful Passovers, like the one where he ordered the ‘30 minute Haggadah,’ which took at least three or four hours to complete.”

Survivors, in addition to his wife, include his four children, David Young (Jody), Roger Young (Deborah Wenkert), Janet Rodgers (Lee) and Steve Young (Ellen), and 12 grandchildren.

Burial was at United Hebrew Cemetery.

Memorial contributions preferred to Camp Wyman, Logos School or Lift for Life Academy.