Obituary of Michael W. Young

Michael W. Young Accomplished improv comedian, producer & director Of Westmont, Haddon Township, NJ, formerly of Philadelphia, PA died on July 18, 2006 of complications of Craniopharyngioma at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. He was 38 years old. Mike was born in Parma, OH and raised in the Cleveland metropolitan area. He moved to the area when he attended The University of Pennsylvania where he earned his BA in English. Mike, who had been interested in theater, performed in Mask & Wig and Without a Net at UPenn, and later worked for Channel 57. In 1990, Mike became one of the founders, director and a premier actor in the Philadelphia chapter of the nationally established comedy group ComedySportz, the longest running improv comedy show in the city. In 1991, Mike started work with Disc Makers ?then located in Philadelphia- as a graphic designer, growing with the company throughout its development and move to Pennsauken, NJ, later becoming their Director of Graphic Services. He was also a writer and performer in the sketch comedy troupe BAD HAIR, which grew from the ranks of ComedySportz in March 2002. ?The group prides itself on a commitment to developing interesting comedy, mixing the satirical with the absurd; the clever with the goofy. Their material originates from just about any source?news media, literature, pop culture, improvisation, everyday conversations ?keeping audiences surprised at every turn.? It was through these venues as well as so many others that Mike, through laughter and kindness, harvested a large circle of caring and amazing friends. Mike enjoyed cooking, baking, traveling and spending time with his family. Mike is the beloved husband of Dannagal "Danna" nee Goldthwaite, devoted father of Baxter, son of Lonia E. nee Zell of Cleveland, OH and Chris Young, brother of Deke & his wife Victoria DuFresne of Atlanta, GA, Diana Young, M.D. & her husband Richard Strong of Sanibel, FL, grandson of Wooshee Young of Cleveland, OH, son-in-law of Andrea L. nee Duffy and David B. Goldthwaite of NH, brother-in-law of Jae-Ann Rock of Tilton, NH and last, but certainly not least, a host of dear friends. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. A celebration of his life will be held on at a later date at a theatrical venue in Philadelphia which will be announced as information becomes available. In lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to: 1 Baxter Young charity fund, PO Box 233, Collingswood, NJ 08108 2 The Mike Young Fund, Jefferson Foundation, 925 Chestnut St., Ste. 110, Phila., PA 19107 towards various projects at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital where Mike spent over 14 weeks since November, 2005 or to 3 ComedySportz Philadelphia towards purchase or improvement of Center City theater space, 1721 S. 10th St., Phila., PA 19148 Tributes and memories may be shared by clicking the: "Sign Guestbook Icon". For additional information, please visit Danna's blog at: http://185craniopharyngiomas.blogspot.com/ Arrangements by McGuinness Funeral Home, Woodbury, Washington Twp. & Runnemede, NJ 800-993-0888 ?The Lifetime Tribute Funeral Home?