Obituary of Sam Youst

George Samuel (Sam) Kim Youst, 23, died unexpectedly at home in Syracuse, NY on March 18, 2023. Sam was born in Pusan, South Korea on July 10, 1999. His “Gotcha Day” was just a few months later on January 19, 2000, when he was placed in the arms of his lucky parents, George Scott (Scooter) Youst and Stacey Lee Pope. Sam’s full name honors his grandfather and father, both named George S. Youst. Additionally, to respect his Korean heritage his surname, Kim, was kept as a middle name. 

Sam lived in Lakeland and attended Solvay Elementary before moving to Baldwinsville, NY. He graduated from C.W. Baker High School in 2017 and while there, he was a member of Ski Club, Pep Band, and Marching Band. Both Sam and his brother were proud to play saxophone in Marching Band which went to Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in 2014. In addition, he attended Onondaga Community College and in 2021, moved to San Antonio, Texas, recently returning to Syracuse. 

Sam was a devoted Indiana Colts fan as well as a Manchester City soccer fan. He learned to play golf on his family’s golf course and became a long ball hitter for the big courses. He participated in Little League and played soccer; shout out to WOYSA whose coaches sparked his love of the game. One of the biggest thrills for his Grandpa Pope was to see Sam play with his team on the Pope Memorial Soccer Field in Lakeland, a tribute to Sam’s great-grandparents. His knowledge of football and soccer was exceptional, and he loved to talk sports with anyone. 

Sam was known for his welcoming personality and made quick friends with everyone he met. His infectious laugh, big smile, sense of humor, and happy-go-lucky manner made it so easy to love him. His beautiful, caring heart and warm hugs will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

In his short life, Sam worked at Pasta’s on the Green, Atlantic Testing Laboratory, Ostra at Mokara Hotel & Spa, and the Soccer Factory. 

Sam is predeceased by his grandparents, Frank and Harriet Pope, George S. Youst.

He will be deeply missed by his loving family: father, George Scott (Scooter) Youst of Liverpool; mother, Stacey Lee Pope of Syracuse; brother, Nathan; sister, Liana; his dog, Buddy; grandmother, Shirley Youst; many aunts, uncles, cousins; and his large circle of wonderful friends.  

Services: 10am Saturday, March 25 at Tindall Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. Calling hours will be 4 to 7pm Friday, March 24 at the funeral home 1921 W Genesee St. Syracuse. 

To honor Sam, donations may be made to WOYSA, Western Onondaga Youth Soccer Association, PO Box 251, Camillus, NY 13031.