Ronald L. Young

Ronald L. “Youngie” Young, 78, of Manheim, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Pleasant View Communities. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Lester and Dora Shank Shelley. Ron was the beloved husband of Sara Merkey “Sally” Young, with whom he would have celebrated 53 years of marriage later this month.

Ron dedicated more than 28 years of service as a Transmission Technician for the former Merkey Chrysler Plymouth dealership in Manheim. Throughout his working career, he also shared his technical expertise and maintenance skills with several companies throughout Lancaster County. In the early 1970s, he proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves.

A faithful and active member of Calvary Church in Lancaster, Ron volunteered his time and talents in church maintenance and participated in storm-related disaster mission trips to Florida and the Carolinas. He also enjoyed helping neighbors and supporting local church projects in his hometown of Manheim.

Ron loved hunting and spending time at the family cabin in Perry County. His lifelong passion, however, was classic cars. He completely restored a 1937 Plymouth truck from parts and later restored a 1961 Chevrolet Impala. Ron attended many car shows, earning numerous honors and awards for his work. He was a proud member of the National Street Rod Association. Above all, Ron deeply loved his family and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Sara, is a son, Nicholas husband of Penny of Hummelstown, two grandchildren: Nicholas and Brianna, a sister, Sandra wife of Richard Foster of Fayetteville, and a sister-in-law, Patsy Shelley of Lititz. Preceding him in death is a son, Brandon L. Young, and two brothers: Jerry Young and Lester Shelley Jr.

***The family extends an invitation to anyone attending Ron’s Service to please drive their “Hot Rods” or “Classic Cars” to Calvary Church that day and park in a special parking area near the chapel entrance to honor Ron.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Ron’s Celebration of Life Service at Calvary Church, 1051 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 1:30PM. Friends may visit with the family immediately following the service at the church. Note: Please use the Chapel Entrance at Calvary Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in Ron’s memory to: Hospice and Community Care, P. O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.