Michael Jay Young, gifted storyteller

Michael Jay Young, 64, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away at his home Saturday, June 24, 2023. He was born in Milford, son of the late Jay and Virginia Young.

Michael went to Milford High School and University of Delaware, and was on the Rehoboth Beach Patrol during those summers with classmates and fraternity brothers. He loved horses and assisted his mother in the daily training and care of several trotters, becoming instrumental in the success of one of their horses that went on to national prominence. During a couple of the lifeguarding summers, Michael was a bouncer at the Summer House in the evenings, which is where he most likely got hooked on the food industry. He transitioned as a doctor of mixology, having had stints in Florida, NYC, Virginia, and DC to name a few. He finally landed in Rehoboth, where he has been ever since, his last stop at Houston White Co.

Hoagie, as he was known by all who loved him, was a gifted storyteller, and there was not a story he told that didn’t have a happy or hilarious ending. He lit up a room and commanded everyone’s attention who was within earshot of his stage, the bar. Hoagie worked hard at his craft and seemed to make everyone he worked with feel at ease and enjoy what they were doing, not to mention making those whom he was serving feel well taken care of.

At one point, Michael was a very good golfer and worked on making good money off those of us who were not as good. NASCAR was a favorite too, making several visits to Daytona, Fla., with his dad and brother to catch the Daytona 500, and many, many events at Dover Downs too.

Michael will be forever missed. Everyone who was not his friend wanted to be his friend. His laugh, sense of humor, storytelling, and compassion were what everyone loved and were what made him who he was.

Michael is survived by his brother, Jaime Young; his niece, Sydney Young; his stepsister, Sara Bunting; and his stepbrother, Brian Tuck. He shared his life over the last 10-plus years with Meg Rapp.

Join a group of friends at Meg and Hoagie’s home from 3 to 7 p.m., Thursday, July 6, for a celebration of life.

Final care has been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

Visit Hoagie’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.