Michael G Young
September 16, 1920 – February 22, 2021
Mike was born on September 16, 1920, to Peter and Anna Yelovich in Central City, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Central City with his five brothers and three sisters. Mike graduated from Shade Township High School. He spent his teenage years working at the family bar in Central City, mostly as a busboy but occasionally helping his brothers deal with unruly customers. In 1938, Mike took his boxing skills to Lock Haven University located in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. While a student he was Captain of the Boxing Team and had a stellar reputation as a boxer that couldn’t be defeated. He only lost one boxing match during his entire career and in 1995 he was elected to the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame recognizing his accomplishments. During college summers and vacations, Mike returned to Central City where he worked as a coal miner in the local mines. His stories and adventures as a coal miner were a source of great entertainment to his children and grandchildren.
While at Lock Haven, Mike was selected to participate in the military training for future pilots. He successfully completed the courses and always reminisced about his first solo flight . He remembered how frightened he was when he went through clouds and had no visibility. He recalled the advice his mother gave him when she learned about him piloting planes, she said “please stay close to the ground, it is safer”!
After graduating from Lock Haven with a BS in Education, Mike enlisted in the Army Air Force. He spent his WWII experience as a physical trainer for the troops. He also became a sparring partner to the legendary boxer, Max Baer. They traveled throughout the US entertaining the troops with exhibition boxing matches.
After his honorable discharge from the service, Mike had a brief teaching career before transitioning into the corporate world with RCA in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His work as Personnel Director with RCA required several relocations so he moved his family from Lancaster, PA, to Collingswood, NJ, to Hillcrest Heights, MD, and finally to Cinnaminson, NJ.
As Mike began his career in Lancaster, PA he met the one and only love of his life, Mary. He married Mary Schemlynce, then a 21-year-old beauty from rural Pennsylvania, in 1948. This 70-year marriage yielded five children. Karen (Neil) Armstrong, Patricia (Paul) Hagan, Michael (Kathy) Young, Matthew (Carla) Young and Martin (Diane) Young. The tight knit family, grew to include grandchildren Kristin Armstrong, Jeffrey Armstrong, Paul (Nikki) Hagan, Lauren (Ken) Sedberry, Kevin (Gwenn) Young, Julie Young, Kelly Young , Shane Young and Shannon Young. Nine great grandchildren followed. Mike is also survived by his brothers Pete and Robert, his sister Agnes and numerous nieces and nephews.
After retiring from the Pennwalt Corporation in 1986, Mike spent his time acting as an arbitrator for Burlington County, New Jersey. He enjoyed listening to the stories of those who were ordered to see him and he used his well-defined negotiating skills to settle many cases out of court.
In 1991 Mike and Mary fully retired and moved to Palm Harbor, Florida. However, they quickly found Seven Springs Golf and Country Club in New Port Richey, Florida and made that their permanent home in 1993. While at Seven Springs they became avid golfers, won many golf tournaments and socialized constantly with numerous friends.
As life progressed, Mike and Mary, now both in their 90s, moved to an assisted living facility in Trinity, Florida. Karen and Pat also retired to Florida and were able to care for their aging parents for several years.
In September 2020, Mike celebrated his 100th birthday with all his children. He always wanted to live to be 100.
Mary passed away on July 16, 2018 and Mike peacefully passed in his sleep on February 22, 2021. They rest side by side in Trinity Gardens, together in death as they were in life.
Family suggests contributions made in the name of Michael Young to Gulfside Hospice Care (gulfside.org), 2061 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes , FL 34639.
Ann-Kathryn (Yelovich) Maust (great-niece)
March 7, 2021, 12:00 am
My family and I would like to express our deepest sympathy to all of you. I did not know Uncle Mike had done all the things noted in the obituary–he was very accomplished! I will always remember him as smiling and expressing interest in others. So sorry for you loss. Love, Ann, Tim and Joshua