William J. Young

William Joseph Young, 85, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Holy Spirit Hospital, Camp Hill, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Lewistown on June 21, 1939, to the late Hazel M. (Bulick) Young and James S. Young, Jr.

A 1957 graduate of Armagh Brown Joint High School, Reedsville, he would immediately go on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Army, stationed at an air force missile base in Thule, Greenland. He and his high school sweetheart, Darla, would marry just prior to his military service and start a family in State College shortly thereafter. He began his professional career with Beneficial Finance Corporation before moving with his family to Mechanicsburg in 1972. Bill would join his brother and brother-in-law to open New Cumberland Auto Parts, Fairview Township, a successful salvage business that celebrated 50 years in business before closing their doors in 2021. A successful businessman, his true passion in life was being a faithful husband and provider for his family.

He and his family were longtime members of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Lewisberry, and were part of the founding congregation when the new/current church was constructed in the 1970s. Bill was a great athlete, playing baseball until well after his kids were born and always finding time to sneak in a round of golf. He also enjoyed hunting, horse racing, and coaching baseball at various levels throughout his life.

Bill was quick witted and easy-going, always offering a kind word, or if he disagreed with you, perhaps just a slight chuckle. The only place you could ever see him fired up was in his coaching uniform in the dugout, or maybe at the office on a challenging workday. He and his wife complemented each other well, with Bill always being the more laid-back of the two. Family was paramount, and he thoroughly enjoyed assuming the role of “Poppy” as his kids began to have children of their own. His grandchildren were the only ones capable of breaking his playful stubbornness, and he had a knack for always knowing what they were up to—whether good or bad. He was a wonderful role model and loving patriarch to his family, and his earthly presence will be deeply missed.

Surviving are his daughter, Cheryl D. Melick (Randall) of Mechanicsburg; and son, Kevin D. Young (Donna) of New Cumberland; seven grandchildren, Ryan (Heather), Danielle (Jimmy), Brittani (Brent), Tiffany, Briana, Dylan and Dustin (Phoebe); four great-grandchildren, Jadyn, Izabella, Quinn, and Aiden; siblings, Helen King, Roberta Aumiller, John Young, Dennis Young, and Pam Ishler; a son-in-law, Brian Sebastian; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Darla A. Young; a daughter, Karen R. Rider; grandson, Joshua J. Melick; and siblings, Joan Heinzelmann and James S. Young III.

Private services were held at the convenience of the family. Bill was laid to rest with his beloved wife, Darla, in Mechanicsburg Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to a local chapter of the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society in honor of William, Darla, Karen, and Joshua—forever in our hearts.