Michael John Canapp

While Michael was born in Baltimore, Maryland, he and his wife of nearly 50 years, Cady Canapp, lived in Laurel, Maryland early in their marriage. Following Laurel, Michael and Cady moved to Dayton, Maryland where they have lived for the last 30 years and where Cady continues to reside. They cherished life in Dayton where Michael was a friend to nearly everyone he met. Over the span of his life, Michael enjoyed being with neighbors and friends, the outdoors, tending his vegetable garden with Cady, riding his motorcycle, spending time on the water, taking photographs, doting over their cats, travelling with Cady, and tinkering with just about anything whether it needed tinkering or not. Michael also served in the United States Army from 1968 through 1970. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Towson University. Before retiring from the Howard County School System where he helped students as an Instructional Assistant, Michael was in the medical camera field.

Preceding Michael in death are his father, Thomas Elwood Canapp, his mother, Anna Kavanaugh Canapp, and his brother, James Canapp.

Michael is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Cady Canapp, with whom he shared a full and loving life, and his brothers Tom Canapp (Linda), Joseph Canapp (Joyce), Robert Canapp (Dianna), and Doug Canapp (Angela). He is also survived by his in-laws who knew him as their brother: Mark Burton (Reba), Jane Miller (Rick), and David Burton (Stacey), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their children; all who loved him dearly. He was a favorite uncle. Lastly, Michael leaves behind a wide array of friends who count themselves as blessed to have known him.

It is difficult to summarize the life of a man when he has lived so fully, was loved by so many, and was a stranger to so few. Yet, while the layers of Michael’s complexity run deep, it is easy to describe him as a loving husband, good friend, and a giving man who was quick to offer his help to those who needed it. With patience and attention to detail, he taught many by both example and deed, thereby ensuring that the lessons learned from Michael will continue to impact others for generations as they are passed from one to another.

Michael J. Canapp’s funeral service will be held at St. John’s In The Wilderness in Flat Rock North Carolina. The service will begin at 2:00 on Saturday October 21, 2023. Burial will follow the service. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Chesapeake Bay Foundation at www.cbf.org or by following the link below.