Paul “Cricket” Young

Paul “Cricket” Young LEBANON — Paul “Cricket” Young, 53, unexpectedly passed on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at Tampa General Hospital. Cricket was born in Lebanon, New Hampshire, on Feb. 10, 1969. Growing up, he enjoyed spending time with his younger siblings, and cherished time with his predeceased aunt, Amy May, uncle, Jimmy Simpson, and grandparents, Stella and Paul Bond. Cricket graduated from Lebanon High School, where his baseball team proudly took home the New Hampshire Class 1 State Championship in 1986. Cricket’s passion for the sport of baseball will carry on through his legacy. At age 15, he started working at Bailey Brothers in West Lebanon and enjoyed working side by side with his grandfather, Paul Bond, whom he idolized. In 1989, in accordance with his grandfather’s wishes, Cricket earned his Associate degree in Business from University of New Hampshire. He was the proud business owner of Cricket’s Paint & Auto Parts-NAPA in Claremont and Newport, New Hampshire, from 2005-2019. Cricket was a hard worker of 36 years in the auto parts industry, always treating his customers with dignity and respect. He loved working closely with other small business owners, especially his predeceased uncle, Claude L. Young, of the Meriden Garage. Cricket was a small-town, family man. He epitomized kindness, honesty and good nature. He is most commonly described as, “A really nice guy – just a good guy;” simple, but all-encompassing. He loved a good story, whether it was listening to or telling one. Cricket loved golfing, watching sports, exploring the depths of Flavor Town, and enjoying Bud Lights with his friends on Friday nights at the Lebanon Legion. While attending UNH, he met his beloved wife, Jill, during one of his Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity parties. For 31 years, he was deeply in love with his wife, Jill. He loved spending time with family, friends and local members of the community. There was nothing more important than his family, especially his three children, Rebecca Rose (28), Joshua Bailey (26), and Kyle James (21). Cricket was heavily involved in his children’s lives. He was proudly involved in Rebecca’s collegiate sports career, academic achievements and pursuit to become a dentist. He loved supporting his children’s sports endeavors, playing catch after work, and attending baseball games. Cricket loved listening to Joshua play the piano and exchanging phone calls/life advice. Kyle shared his passion for baseball, with Cricket always attending games, which meant the most to him. His boys remember a father who taught how to treat the woman you love. Cricket is survived by his wife, Jill (Sobel) Young; daughter, Rebecca Young (Clinton); sons, Joshua Young (Samantha) and Kyle Young (Hunter); brothers, Clifton Young and George Young (Joanie); sister, Melissa Loughnane (Conor); uncle, Thomas Higgins (Joan); aunt, Stacy Young (daughter, Cassy); mother-in-law, Shirley Sobel; brother-in-law, Randy Sobel (Laura); sister-in-law, Jamie Ryals; numerous nieces and nephews, as well as an extended network of friends, colleagues and community. Please consider a donation to the American Legion, Guyer-Carignan Post #22 (189 Mechanic St., Lebanon, NH 03766, 603-448-3429) in honor of Cricket’s love for baseball and his community. Family and friends are invited to Cricket’s calling hours on Friday, March 18, 2022, from 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. at the Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 19, 2022, at 3:30 p.m. at the Ricker Funeral Home; burial will follow in the West Lebanon Cemetery. An online guest book is available to leave a message of condolence for Cricket’s family by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com.