Christopher F. Young

Christopher F. "Chris" Young​

(Electrical engineer who led the pro-life movement in Rhode Island)​

|  |

* * *

Born |  October 11, 1968​
Providence, Rhode Island

Resident of Narragansett,
Rhode Island

Died |  February 25, 2020 (aged 51)
Warwick, Kent County, Rhode Island

Resting place: St. Francis Cemetery in Pawtucket, Providence County​

Political Party |  Democrat​
Spouse |  Katherine Dawn Russo "Kara" Young​​ (married 2010)

Two daughters:
Mary Young
Amber Wagner
Parents:
Edward Vincent and Louise Olga Knez Young
Alma mater:
Classical High School (Providence)
Boston University (Massachusetts)

Religion |  Roman Catholic​

Christopher F. Young, known as Chris Young (October 11, 1968 - February 25, 2020), [1]was an engineer from Narragansett, Rhode Island, who was active in the campaign to end abortion in the United States. His life ended a few hours after he had urged his state's predominantly liberal legislators in Providence to protect unborn babies.

## Contents

* 1 Background
* 2 Pro-life activities
* 3 Legacy
* 4 See also
* 5 References

## Background[edit]

Young was one of four children of Edward Vincent Young and the former Louise Olga Knez, both of whom died when Chris was just a child. He attended the Roman Catholic St. Michael’s Elementary School, the Bishop McVinney Middle School, and Classical High School in Providence. He graduated from Boston University in neighboring Massachusetts with a degree in electrical engineering. He was self-employed in engineering consulting and computer repair.[2]

## Pro-life activities[edit]

Katherine Dawn Russo Young, known as Kara Young (born 1970), said that her husband appeared to have had a heart attack while driving home from the state capital in Providence: “It was a medical event that happened while he was driving on the highway ... when we were coming home after we all testified in favor of the fetal heartbeat bill at the Rhode Island State House." The crash occurred on Route 95 South in Cranston, Rhode Island, according to The Providence Journal. [3]

Young ran unsuccessfully for public office in every election cycle since 2000. He failed in multiple congressional bids and made three races for mayor of Providence. Skilled at gaining public attention but few votes, The Boston Globe called him "eccentric."[4] In 2016, he polled 33 percent of the primary vote for the Democratic nomination for Rhode Island's 2nd congressional district. He urged the state House Judiciary Committee to pass a resolution “recognizing the fetus as a human life upon the existence of a heartbeat." Young asked the lawmakers, "When will we realize we will suffer a judgment from allowing these babies to be tortured, allowing these babies to be murdered, denying the humanity of these babies?” Young warned that "God will judge you much more harshly if you do not let the entire House and Senate vote.”[3]

Mrs. Young said that his passion for the pro-life movement took a toll on his health: "He was fighting against the horrific tide of abortion-lust at the Statehouse, and asking for legislators to put these innocent babies before themselves for once. … I believe that his consistent passion, commitment, and bravery ultimately took a toll on his heart.”[3]

## Legacy[edit]

According to his obituary, Young:

> lived the word of God. He was a powerful light in the darkness, a passionate defender of God, the Church, and of the unborn, and he was Rhode Island’s voice of justice on a multitude of issues over the years, including religious freedom, pro-life and pro-family issues, education, election reform, and property tax relief ... He took further action to improve the lives of others by running for office ... he lived as a witness to the truth up to the hour before he died. He was good, loyal, empathetic, magnanimous, generous, hospitable, kind, and very intelligent, and he was an extremely talented singer and songwriter. …

> Chris profoundly helped countless people over the years, continuously devoting time and energy to advocate for and help those in need, including the elderly, the disabled, the rich and poor alike, helping bring them to God and in overcoming their problems and obstacles in life. He received frequent phone calls from those who felt lost and who depended on his help and advice. His heart was always for others. He gave of himself and he wanted people to love God.[2]

Young had two daughters, then six-year-old Mary Young and Amber Wagner. He was survived by two brothers and a sister. He is interred at St. Francis Cemetery in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.[2]

## See also[edit]

Other pro-life activists:

* Cathie Adams
* Angie Hammond
* Al Krotoski
* Joe B. Phillips

## References[edit]

1. ↑ Christopher Young, 51 - Narragansett, RI. Mylife.com. Retrieved on April 18, 2020.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Christopher F. Young. Findagrave.com. Retrieved on April 18, 2020.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Micaiah Bilger (February 26, 2020). Pro-Life Advocate Dies in Crash, His Last Act Was Telling Politicians to Listen to God and Stop Abortion. Lifenews.com. Retrieved on April 18, 2020.
4. ↑ Dan McGowan and Amanda Milkovits (February 26, 2020). Christopher Young, perennial candidate and activist, dies at 51. The Boston Globe. Retrieved on April 18, 2020.