Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Michael Young of Vero Beach, Florida passed peacefully April 21st in his home surrounded by the love and focus of family and friends both near and far. Michael was predeceased by his wife Diane of 53 years whom he met and married in Lavallette, NJ. Mike lived a storied life of dedication, mentorship and leadership in matters of both family and business.
Mike Young’s business career began in 1962 at Jersey Shore Savings. The story goes that he took the teller job because it paid twenty five cents an hour more than a job at the local grocery store. He was also working weekend concessions at the Seaside Heights boardwalk during this period. He credits an early mentor, Gertrude McCandless, executive vice president of Jersey Shore Savings and Loan, with pushing him to complete college. When asked about his upcoming class schedule, Mike indicated he would not be taking classes this semester due to budget concerns with his growing family. Ms. McCandless indicated that he would not be able to continue working at the thrift unless he continued his education. She loaned him the $500 tuition and said “Pay me back when you can.” Mike completed his education, made good on the loan and paid Ms. McCandless’ form of leadership and mentorship forward to both family and business colleagues throughout his life and career.
Mike quickly rose from teller to senior vice president by the age of 22. In 1969 he joined Larson Mortgage Company where he credits Robert Larson as another influential mentor in his career. Mr. Larson taught Mike the value of rewarding employees with an interest in a businesses’ profits. In 1982 Mike led an employee organized buyout of Larson Mortgage Company. In 1984 Mike’s management team bought Centennial Savings and Loan forming Cenlar Federal Savings Bank. Cenlar was the first federally chartered employee owned thrift. Mike’s leadership and perseverance through the late 1980s and 1990s is a testament to his thoughtfulness and ability to include others in the solution. Today Cenlar focuses on mortgage subservicing and continues to be an employee owned entity now employing more than 3000 in seven states.
Throughout his career, Mike served his industry on numerous boards and organizations both within New Jersey and nationally. In 2012 Mike served as Chairman of the national Mortgage Bankers Association, using his 50 years of industry experience to help the industry recover from the 2008 financial crisis. His immediate and extended family enjoyed a lovely 2011 Fall weekend in Chicago celebrating Mike’s leadership and storied career during his MBA induction ceremony.
Mike’s capacity for business organization was matched equally with his capacity for recreational organization. Mike moved his family to Hunterdon County, NJ in 1970 ultimately settling in Tewksbury. Mike led many touch football games, neighborhood saltwater fishing charters, and wiffle ball/basketball/volleyball tournaments not to mention the Tewksbury tractor races. He organized and hosted many extended family reunions (50+ people) at his house along with his annual “improvised plywood table” Thanksgiving weekends. Mike and Diane loved to host others and have them feel welcome in their home. In 1986 the couple bought a beach house in Lavallette and their epic hosting endeavours continued. Mike bought a 25’ fishing boat in 1986 and his weekends were tasked with leading offshore expeditions for friends, family and colleagues to the Hudson Canyon in pursuit of big fish, mammal sightings and offshore excitement. Mike relished in the task of organizing a team to take on shared journeys and adventure and then celebrating the outcome later with his family and friends at his home.
Mike is survived by his partner of four years Stephanie, his four children, their spouses and seven grandchildren that will sorely miss the nightly summer trips to the ice cream parlor and the unique repertoire of grandfather jokes every morning. He leaves five siblings and their spouses and his ten nieces and nephews and their growing families. He will be missed dearly by both family, friends and colleagues but the memory of his positive impact on so many lives provides comfort and joy to those who knew him.
Whether organizing employee led buyouts, saltwater fishing expeditions, touch football games or family reunions, Mike enjoyed the process and providing mentorship and guidance to others along the way. His nephew put it succinctly well when he wrote, “Uncle Mike was an incredible role model for me growing up. I learned through his example that aside from hard work, the weekends were always key in celebrating family time and adventure”
Condolences may be shared online www.millenniumcremationservice.com.
Our caring professionals are here to assist you and your family during this difficult time. We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week to assist in immediate arrangements or pre-arrangements.
Terri Given Cain
May 3, 2021, 9:10 pm
I am so sorry for your loss Sherri I will miss your dad so much prayers to you and the family
Terri Given Cain
May 3, 2021, 9:14 pm
I am so sorry for your loss my prayers go out to you snd the family
Thomas Davis Young
May 3, 2021, 10:05 pm
I wish (and hope) everyone could have an Uncle Mike! He truly made everyone he met life’s better. Aunt Diana and Uncle Mike will always be missing, but their memory will always bring a smile (and occasionally a good laugh).
Marion
May 3, 2021, 10:40 pm
Sherri,
We are so sorry to hear if your dad’s passing. He was always such a fine gentleman. He will surely be remembered as well as your mom .
God bless you all!
Barry & Marion Minette
Angela Pulli
May 3, 2021, 11:22 pm
I will always remember your kind smile at me and friendly handshake. I am so happy I had the chance to meet you while at Cenlar.
Prayers to you and your family!! Sending love and condolences.
Sheila Owens
May 4, 2021, 9:01 pm
Sherri,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your father, he was a great man. You and your family have my sincere condolences.
God Bless you and your family.
Bob and Donna Light
May 5, 2021, 12:33 pm
Mike was an inspiration and great friend to those who were fortunate enough to know him and work with him. I started one month later than Mike in 1969 at Larson Mortgage and through the next 47 years of the ups and downs of being in business I got to see first hand how Mike was able to inspire people and make the workplace such a wonderful environment. Getting to know Mike and Diane and their wonderful family has been an extremely important part of our family through the years.
Kim Hagen
May 5, 2021, 4:27 pm
Mr. Young will be missed dearly, he created a ideal work foundation and was a great story teller. It has been my pleasure knowing him over the years.
John McWeeney
May 6, 2021, 12:26 pm
On behalf of the officers, staff and members of the New Jersey Bankers Association we extend our sincere condolences to Mike’s family and friends. Many in the banking industry enjoyed Mike’s friendship and benefited from his leadership. He will be missed but leaves behind a wonderful legacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike’s family and friends at this sad time.
Jose Guerrero
May 6, 2021, 4:33 pm
On behalf of the officers, and board members of Spencer Savings Bank we extend our sincere condolences to Mike’s family. We enjoyed Mike’s friendship.
Michael Trubisky
May 6, 2021, 5:56 pm
Mike became a member of our golfing group a few years back. He played the game with a smile on his face. Along the way, I became aware of his business successes and read about the positive feelings of those who worked for him. Bless you Stephanie – you were there to provide him so much help and dedication.
Mike Trubisky
Shonda Jewett
May 7, 2021, 12:33 am
My condolences to the family of Mr. Young especially my sweet dear co-worker Sherri. Although I did not know Mr. Young personally I am grateful for his legacy and what he started at Cenlar that has afforded not only a career but ownership to so many including myself. Rest in peace and may your Legacy live on.
Len and Joanne Sadowsky
May 7, 2021, 8:37 pm
My deepest and sincere condolences for the passing of Mike. I too started at Larson Mortgage in 1969. I would be remiss if I didn’t present the feelings of loss and gratefulness held by myself and my 1970s/1980s team, Cenlar Home Funding. Because of Mike’s creativity and leadership, we were able to provide home financing for thousands of people. Because of that opportunity, our employees were able to grow professionally and financially. They will never forget how so many people benefitted from the opportunity created by Mike. It really was participating in the Great American Dream.
Claudia Moore Wallace
May 8, 2021, 10:13 am
To the family of Mike Young I want to say thank you for sharing this wonderful person with us at Cenlar. In so many ways he impacted so many lives. I am proud to say l knew Mr. Young and and am thankful that he allowed me to be a part of the Team.
Please find peace in knowing that he leaves this earth leaving a piece of him in each of his children and is with you always.
Laraine & Robert Koepke
May 10, 2021, 1:10 pm
Sherri and family, Bob and I are so sorry for your loss. Your Dad will truly be missed. I personally feel blessed to have known and shared so many experiences with him. Mike created an opportunity for all of us to grow in our careers, to benefit from the opportunity and to always feel as though we were a part of a team. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim Silkensen
May 11, 2021, 4:33 pm
My deepest condolences to Mike’s family. I new Mike well through my work as an officer at the New Jersey Savings League, which was renamed the New Jersey League of Community Bankers and later combined with the New Jersey Bankers Association. I had the greatest respect for my friend Mike and was so sorry to learn of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Mike’s family.
Dominick & Marianne Mazzagetti
May 13, 2021, 1:14 pm
Mike was a brilliant and kind man and a good friend. We are are saddened by his passing and send our sympathies to his children and their families.
Dina Curtis
May 24, 2021, 3:22 pm
Wayne and I are thinking of you all as we reflect on Mike and Diane also. They were quite the couple. We met Mike through the banking world and came to know Diane later at conferences. They are now together in eternity and we will always remember them fondly and with grace.
Dina and Wayne Curtis