Michael Yonko III

Michael Yonko III, age 45, of Baltimore, Maryland, passed away on August 29, 2023.  He was born on June 16, 1978, in Elkton, Maryland, to the late Michael Yonko, Jr. and Rita Yonko (Baker).

Michael loved life and was known for appreciating the simple pleasures life offers. Michael passed away peacefully after a lengthy fight with brain cancer.  Michael had a beautiful smile, an infectious laugh, and a great sense of humor. He was a devoted partner, son, brother, and friend. He was a kind and gentle soul and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Michael grew up in Chesapeake City, Maryland, and enjoyed its history and everything the area had to offer.  He loved fishing, crabbing, boating, and camping.  He spent many days on the C&D Canal, area rivers and the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays with his family and friends. As a baby, Michael was so adorable. So much so he won the local pretty baby contest wearing a sailor suit. As a child, Michael was a pleasure and soaked up knowledge like a sponge, a truly bright boy. Holidays brought him much joy, and that enthusiasm continued through the rest of his short life. He especially loved helping decorate the Christmas tree and dressing up for Halloween. Michael was always up for an adventure. His Dad and siblings taught him to fish the pond and marsh close to his childhood home, eventually venturing out to larger waters. Fishing remained a favorite hobby. Many camping trips were enjoyed with his siblings, cousin, and friends. Camping the Sassafras and Susquehanna rivers, Cape Henlopen State Park, Elk Neck State Park, and Assateague Island State Park. While boondocking, he learned many camping skills and especially liked making a campfire, sitting around it and talking. Michael made his first holy communion at St. Basil Ukrainian Catholic Church and served as an altar boy there. As a teenager, Michael participated in the Chesapeake City Junior Horseshoe Pitching League and competed in the world championships in Canada.  One of his first jobs was working as a dock boy at Schaefer’s Canal House. Michael was so knowledgeable about the motorboats, sail boats, yachts and ships that traveled the canal. He also enjoyed hosting C&D Canal tours on the Miss Claire. Digging for antique glass bottles in the woods where he lived and researching each bottle was another favorite past time. While in Cecil County, Michael discovered the sounds of Jimmy Buffett and enjoyed attending his concerts and knew all the songs by heart – a true Parrothead. Michael attended Cecil College and graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in History. While studying history his focus was the pre-Civil War era. Michael moved to Baltimore where he met his loving companion, Molly. While in Baltimore he made many good friends and enjoyed the city. Michael was a respected bartender, well-liked by the patrons he served over the years and loved by those he worked with. His knowledge of topics in history, music, television, or sports would astound even the most knowledgeable local author or sportscaster. Michael was always willing to help someone in his adopted hometown of Baltimore, whether it was helping a neighbor repair their car, or lending a hand or tool when needed. In his free time, he especially loved day trips in the car, trying every burger spot in Maryland or seeking out far flung crab cake restaurants off the beaten path. Always in search of the perfect potato chip, Michael would buy every brand of potato chip available in the Delmarva Peninsula and Pennsylvania region, and eagerly share his potato chips with patrons and friends.  A huge fan of the Orioles, he never missed Opening Day. Michael would have been overjoyed with the Orioles 1st place 2023 division standings, plus having the Yankees in last place. In his final days, he was visited by the Baltimore Orioles’ mascot. It brought a smile to his face and a thumbs up. Michael was a collector of many things, marine-themed items, cast iron skillets, vintage Christmas ornaments, and antique glass bottles that he would find at his many estate sale excursions. But his favorite collection was his collection of vinyl albums. He would spin these records at the neighborhood bars and microbreweries and spend hours listening to them on his sound system. Michael especially liked music from the ’70s, such as Three Dog Night, The Band and Arlo Guthrie.  Michael excelled in Trivia, rarely missing an episode of the gameshow Jeopardy. Michael was surely one of a kind and that’s what everyone loved about him.

Michael is survived by his devoted partner, Molly Fieser; his mother, Rita Yonko; brother, Paul (Joan); sister, Lynn Emanuel (David); and a host of family and friends.

At a future date, two celebrations of Michael’s life will be held in Baltimore, Maryland, and Chesapeake City, Maryland. Michael’s ash-spreading will be private. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers donations can be made in Michael’s memory to Oligo Nation www.give.oligonation.org. To send online condolences, please visit www.rtfoard.com.