Michael Joseph Young, lovingly known to family and friends as "Mike," was born on June 12, 1955, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to the late Reverend Lee C. Young and Pastor Barbara Jean Young. Mike passed away on September 13, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, strength, generosity, and service to others.

Michael attended Easton Area High School and Northampton Community College.

While attending Easton Area High School, Michael was a member of the 1971-72 and 1972-73 basketball teams. The 1971-72 team finished with a 25-7 record and placed third in the state, while the 1972-73 team finished 26-5 and won the school's first East Penn League and District XI basketball championships. Both teams were inducted into the Easton Area School District Hall of Fame in 2017. Basketball remained an important part of Michael's life, and he later mentored and coached in leagues throughout the Lehigh Valley.

On April 18, 1987, Michael married the love of his life, Miriam Rodriguez Young. They shared 46 years together and were married for 39 years. Michael was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.

Michael was a man of deep faith. He was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ at the age of eight and again in 2024. He was a devoted Christian and member of Holy Faith Pentecostal Church.

Family was at the center of Michael's life. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and remained deeply connected to his mother, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. He was known for being dependable, protective, generous, and always willing to help. When someone called Michael, he showed up.

Michael also enjoyed cooking, especially grilling, and loved bringing family and friends together for gatherings filled with good food, music, and fellowship. He had a strong entrepreneurial spirit and was affectionately known as "MoneyMike" among his multilevel marketing partners. He had a natural ability to connect with people, share opportunities, and encourage others.

Michael will be remembered for his strength, humor, generosity, faith, love of family, and willingness to serve others.

SURVIVORS: Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Miriam Rodriguez Young; his children, Nasheika Michelle and Michael Anthony; his stepdaughter, Jeanette Marie Crutchfield (Cruz); his grandchildren, Malia Maci Russell and Olivia Myla Russell; his step-grandchild, Isaiah Christopher Johnson; his mother, Pastor Barbara J. Young (Hooks); his siblings, Brenda J. Jordan, G. Dean Young, Barbara "Babs" J. Young, Jerome D. Young, Zellaree F. Williams (Young), and Kevin T. Young; his aunts, Rosa Lee Johnson, Eunice Pate, Joyce Humphries, and Frankie Dixon; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Reverend Lee C. Young; his son, Jerome "Pumpkin" Keastead; his siblings, Charles L. Young, Victoria J. Gibson (Young), and Dennis K. Young; and his grandmother, Clydie Younger.

Michael's life was rooted in faith, family, service, and love, and his legacy will continue through the many lives he touched.

SERVICES: A Funeral Service will take place at 11 A.M. on Monday, September 21, 2026 at First Baptist Church, 3235 Linden Street, Bethlehem, PA 18017, where the family will receive relatives and friends from 10 A.M. until the time of the service. Interment will conclude services at Bethlehem Memorial Park, 1851 Linden Street, Bethlehem, PA 18017. Michael's services have been entrusted to Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem. A memorial tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.