Michael R. York

Michael Robert York passed away on March 7, 2023, at the Cambridge Home in Warren, Pa.

He was surrounded by his loving and caring family. Mr. York was born in Jamestown, NY, on July 12, 1949, to Robert H. York and Norma L. Johnson York. He was a lifelong resident of Youngsville, PA. He was a graduate of Youngsville High School in 1967 and continued his education at Williamsport Community College where he received a Machinist Degree. In 1970, he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he had the honor of being chosen for the 3rd Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard”, which is the Army’s official Ceremonial Unit and Escort to the President.

At age 13, when the oil and drilling business started in Youngsville, he became totally caught up with the process of oil production. He would sit in the shack at the drill site and do his homework. He became known as the “Mascot” of the oil wells. Thus, started his journey to a life long career of “all things oil and gas”. He loved his work. He also started a water well drilling business. He was a forward thinker, inventor and developer in his field. He created his own companies which were primarily focused on water well drilling and the drilling, fracking, production and distribution of oil and gas. He felt honored when students from Duke University and businessmen from China visited him, as they were interested in his work and developments.

Mr. York was known for his storytelling. He liked to tell stories about real life situations with several embellishments added. He could keep one laughing for hours. His sense of humor was limitless. He was kind and gentle towards others. If he saw someone in need, he helped. He was unassuming and did not care for recognition. He was humble and honorable, and will be truly missed.

Mr. York is survived by his sister, Barbara L. Verville of Bradenton, FL; his nieces, Lisa, Zoey and Avery Morelli of Parrish, FL; his cousins, Milton Johnson of Ft. Myers, FL, Kris Johnson of Englewood, FL, Tammi Rogers and children of Ft. Myers, FL, Trevor Johnson and children of Riverview, FL and the late Heather Ulrich’s  children of Ft. Myers, FL.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at the Saron Lutheran Church, 148 West Main St. Youngsville, PA 16371, from 11:30am-1pm at which time a celebration of life service will be held there with the Rev. Nancy Schwanke, pastor, officiating. Members of the Youngsville American Legion Honor Guard will provide full military honors. Burial will be in the Youngsville Cemetery.

The family suggest memorial donations be made to the Rouse Children’s Center, 238 E. Main Street, Youngsville, PA 16371.

Condolences may be made to the family at nelsonfuneralhome.net.

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