Philip Kwock Yin Young

Philip Kwock Yin Young, 78, passed away on September 22, 2023, after a long and valiant battle with
cancer. Philip was the husband to Ilse Valdez Young. He was born on August 21, 1945 to the late
Kenneth and Frances Young.
Phil was a Professor of Economics and Finance at Pace University in New York, where he taught in the
MBA program for 25 years. While at Pace he was appointed as the first visiting professor in IBM's
International Finance, Planning and Administration School located in NY and Belgium. In addition, he
was the Director of Corporate Education for Pace University. His responsibilities included the academic
leadership of Pace's corporate education and Executive MBA programs.
Phil led executive education programs around the world, training company leaders across Europe, South
America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. He was particularly proud of leading the first corporate
education program for Colgate-Palmolive at their offices in Poland, shortly after the fall of the Berlin
Wall.
Phil received a B.A. from the University of Hawaii, a Master's degree in international relations from
Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in economics from New York University. He authored many books,
blogs, and podcasts about business, most notably, The Portable MBA in Economics, with John J.
McAuley.
Phil wanted to be remembered as someone who enjoyed teaching people the fundamentals of business
in ways that expanded their curiosities and inspired them to become continuous learners, like himself.
He had a lifetime love of classical and jazz guitar and enjoyed gathering with his friends to play jazz, both
informally and in local performances. Rivaling his love for music was his love for food. He was an avid
cook and foodie who sought out the top cuisines- from street foods and Michelin stars - in the cities
and countries he visited.
In addition to his wife Ilse, he is survived by his daughter Adriana and son Chris and his wife Alison.
He also leaves his 3 grandchildren and sibling, Kennette. He will be remembered fondly by his cousins,
friends, and former students from around the world.
Friends and family may meet the family on Sunday October 8 from 12-1PM, a celebration of life will be
held at 1PM at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Rd., Fairfield, CT. In lieu of flowers
memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Society.