Michael F. Lynn, visionary developer, family man
Michael F. Lynn, of Bethesda, Md., and Ocean View, passed away unexpectedly Sunday Jan. 28, 2024 surrounded by his family.
Born in Wilmington, Michael spent the past 50 years shaping residential life in Sussex County, Delaware. Starting as a carpenter’s helper, Michael eventually became executive vice president of Carl M. Freeman Associates and was instrumental in the development and construction of various parts of the Sea Colony project, as well as the oceanfront Preserve community in the Bethany area. After starting RDM, he created multiple residential developments and hundreds of residences throughout lower Delaware, including Savannah’s Landing, Hunter’s Run, Harmon Bay and Villages of Five Points (the first mixed-use development of its kind in the county), to name a few. Michael was most recently the principal of Select Builders, a custom home-building company, and his projects can be seen throughout Bethany, Rehoboth, Fenwick, Dewey and Lewes. Michael had a unique ability to see the beauty of the raw land in his developments, implementing his vision while retaining forests and other environmental anchors.
Prior to starting his successful career in real estate development and construction, Michael was a competitive surfer sponsored by a local surf shop in the area. After putting away his board, Michael became an avid cyclist, competing in many local biathlons and triathlons and racking up dozens of medals and trophies. His love of cycling and competition continued his entire life, and he participated in several long-distance rides in the U.S. and Israel.
Above all, Michael was dedicated to his family. His time was spent watching and supporting his daughters at soccer and basketball games, cross country races, Irish dance feiseanna, bodybuilding competitions, triathlons and art fairs, and enjoying outings at shooting ranges, Patriots games, antique shops, and pursuing adventurous world travel. He was also committed to his many pet dogs over the years, particularly Natalie, the rescue pit bull, his fourth daughter. Michael was also always ready, willing, and able to help anyone in need, and his generosity had no bounds.
While he was a visionary developer in lower Delaware, Michael will be most remembered and cherished as a devoted husband, father and grandfather, loving brother, and his family’s North Star.
Michael is survived by his wife, Shelah Lynn; daughters, Casey (Michael Maggio) Lynn, Cameron (Gabe) Brumett and Morgan (Scott Russell) Lynn; granddaughter, Eleanor Maggio-Lynn; sister, Judith (Peter Blondin) Lynn; cousin, Stephen (Sally) Downs; Casey’s mother, Mary Rae Lynn; and the many communities he brought to life. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, John and Elizabeth Lynn; his brother, Patrick Lynn; and his aunt and uncle, Winifred “Winnie” and Edward “Sonny” Downs.
A graveside funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 4, at Parklawn Cemetery, 12800 Veirs Mill Road, Rockville, Md.
Contributions can be made in Michael’s memory to Sound Off https://sound-off.com; Magen David Adom, afmda.org; A Forever Home Rescue Foundation, aforeverhome.org; God’s Love We Deliver, glwd.org; or other charity of choice.
