Michael “Mike” Robert Young was born on May 27, 1958 in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, the fourth of six children to Richard and Nanette Young. He left us early in the morning of December 18, 2023 surrounded by the love of his family and friends in Leesburg, Florida where he had made his dream retirement home and life with his loving wife, Carol (Snyder) Young in nearby Wildwood, Florida. Mike was 65 years of age.
Mike is survived by his aforementioned high school sweetheart and wife of over 45 years, Carol, brothers Timothy (Patti), Paul (Amie Evans), and Richard Young, Jr. (Cathy), sisters Penny Young King (Kert) and Holly Thierman (Donald), sons Bradley (Kristin) and Kristopher Young, daughter Teresa Young, four grandchildren Evan, Decklyn, and Hanna Young and Caleb Raines, as well as countless loyal friends and extended family members who Mike touched along his journey, leaving an indelible imprint of positivity and light on all who were lucky enough to cross his path. Mike was predeceased by his father Major Richard Young, Sr., USMC and mother Nan (Bergstrom) Young.
Mike and Carol originally met in High School in 1974 in Olean, New York when they both worked in the kitchen of Grant City Restaurant, and from that day forward, it was inevitable that they would choose each other as life partners.
Michael graduated from Olean High School in 1976, lettering in varsity football and baseball. After marrying the love of his life, the two raised three children in a home filled with love and joy. Mike was ever-present in the lives of his family, a permanent fixture in the bleachers at every family graduation, recital, or sporting event, even becoming a coach on several of his children’s sports teams. He carried this tradition through to recent years, following his grandchildren’s sports endeavors with his trademark passion and care.
An avid lifelong Bills and Sabres fan, Mike fell in love with the game of golf in recent years among his new large and ever-growing group of best friends in the Continental Country Club Community in Florida. He found great happiness when he was with his bride, among the close-knit family they invested so much love into, and of course his other best friend, Cocoa the chocolate lab always at his side.
Mike will be remembered for many things, especially his sense of humor, his unconditional love and selflessness for his family, and his enthusiasm for life and all it had to offer.
A memorial celebration of life for Michael will be held in Olean, New York on January 13th at 10:00am at Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels on South Union Street with a reception to follow.
