Michael Thomas Lynch

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Michael Thomas Lynch, age 60, who died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Monday, March 31st, 2025. Born in Elmira, New York on December 31st, 1964, Mike spent his formative years in Fairport, New York, attending Fairport High School. His collegiate days found their true home at the University of Chapel Hill, where he embraced the Tar Heel spirit with unwavering passion, as a devoted follower of Dean Smith and Carolina basketball. Some might say he was New York-born and Tarheel-bred! The Chapel Hill years were also marked by his engaging work at Four Corners Restaurant, where his charisma and humor forged lasting friendships and introduced him to the love of his life, Jennifer.
Mike and Jennifer married in 1996, relocating to the picturesque Baylake Pines neighborhood in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where they raised their two beloved daughters, Michaella and Morgan. Family was the heart of Mike's world; countless lake days filled with tubing, swimming, cookouts, and sunsets painted indelible memories. He was a doting and incredibly proud husband and father, dedicated to providing for his family.
Beyond his family, Mike thrived in his professional life. His almost 26-year career at Johnson & Johnson Integrated Medicine in the Oncology Division was marked by remarkable success, including five President Circle Awards, a Chairman's Club Award, a Team Infinity Cup Award, and ten District Rep of the Year Awards. For 23 years, he served as a District Field Learning Advisor, mentoring countless colleagues and earning the respect and admiration of his customers through his dedication and compassionate approach to patient care. Mike possessed a rare ability to connect with people, making each feel heard, valued, and appreciated.
His hobbies reflected his vibrant personality: fishing, boating, and, of course, following college sports, particularly the thrill of March Madness and the triumphs of his beloved Tar Heels. Even in his final days, the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, and colleagues – those who visited, those who connected via Zoom, and those who traveled from across the country for his "legendary farewell party" – was a testament to the profound impact he had on so many lives. Our family extends our heartfelt gratitude for this incredible display of kindness. We also thank the nurses and staff in the ICU at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion.
Mike is survived by his wife of 29 years, Jennifer Lynch; his daughters, Michaella Lynch (24) and Morgan Lynch (20); his parents, Thomas and Margaret Lynch of Canandaigua, NY; his sister, Colleen Gorcica (Jason) of Naples, NY; his brothers, Daniel Lynch (Kris) of Tampa, FL, and Kevin Lynch (Christine) of Victor, NY; his sister, Julie Hungerford (Greg) of Virginia Beach, VA; and six nieces and one nephew. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Edward and Ruth Zink.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, April 28th, at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 5345 Virginia Beach Blvd., VA Beach, VA 23462. A reception will immediately follow at the Leaping Lizard Café, 4408 Shore Dr., VA Beach, VA 23455, where all are welcome to join for sharing of memories, food, and music. Please RSVP for the reception at (copy and paste the link):
https://funeralreception.rsvpify.com/?securityToken=2MAONBgquqrlkPDlyRuxFAPx6TCVcnEy
Guests are encouraged to wear Carolina Blue!
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.