Michael Edward Knapp



Knapp, Michael Edward, (Mike), 86, Central City, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on 11 January 2017.  Mike was a lifelong resident of Central City and an active member of Our Lady Queen of Angels Roman Catholic Church (St. John the Baptist).  A 1948 graduate of Shade High School in Cairnbrook, he has always been known for his deep faith, strong work ethic, and love of family.  He is also known as a great father, brother and friend.

Born the second of four children to the late Michael and Anna (Galish) Knapp, Mike is survived by his brother William, sister Marie Pollock; 9 children - Michael (Debbie), Susan Hammer (Don), David (Caroline), Marjorie Zubek (Henry), Mary Jane, Stephen (Kimberly), Mark, Tammy Knapp-Heisey and Lisa Morehead; 16 grandchildren and many friends.  He is predeceased by his wife Margaret, son Patrick and sister Barbara Chiappelli.

His focus on faith, family and work developed at a very young age, growing up during the depression when as he noted, “people worked for what they got.  Everybody had small farms with big gardens and animals if they were lucky.”  Sunday’s were days for church and family gatherings at his Grandma Galish’s house.  “Everyone would work in the garden and then sit down together for Sunday dinner followed by saying The Rosary.”  He enjoyed cooking and having his family for Sunday dinners.

After graduating high school, Mike said he was 18 (even though he was still 17) so he could work in the local coal mines.  He was regularly recognized as a top performer until his leg was injured in a mining accident.  When healed, he served in the Army during the Korean conflict as a medic and dental technician in Texas.  Upon his return to Central City he purchased a local grocery store, where he worked as a teenager, and developed it into Knapp’s Market.  While continuing to work weekends at the store, Mike became a USDA federal meat and poultry inspector where he received numerous performance awards and commendations.  In 1980 he built and operated Knapp’s Snack Shack, a family restaurant. 

After starting the store business, Mike met and married Margaret Svonavec of Listie.  Together they had 10 children (5 sons and 5 daughters) and 16 grandchildren.  Mike always said, “Children are like a bank.  You get out what you put in.”  He was always proud and appreciative of his family, all his children and grandchildren.  When his wife, Marge, suddenly passed away, his children took over and ran the family restaurant. 

As long as his eyesight and hearing were sharp, Mike was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed the outdoors.  He was known to take his fishing pole and lures on work trips so he could fish in the evenings while away from home.  He also liked music and aspired to dance.  After losing his wife, he joined several dance teams, first doing ballroom, square and finally country-western line dancing.  As he matured, he joined the Central City Senior Citizens enjoying the exercise facilities, socializing, and meals with friends.  Mike also enjoyed an occasional casino visit (he talked and dreamed about the big jackpots – like some earlier big buck and big fish stories he used to tell).

Being known as very generous, Mike and his family were very active in their church and community.  He was the lead alter server at St. John the Baptist when he was young and later was a member of the St. John the Baptist Holy Name Society.  While operating his store and restaurant businesses he routinely supported church, school and community clubs and activities. Mike was also a member of the American Legion and New Baltimore Sportsman’s Club.

The family is receiving guests on Friday, 13 January, from 1:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 – 9:00 PM at Robert F. Mulcahy Funeral Home at 305 Central Avenue, Central City.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, 14 January, at the St. John’s Chapel of Our Lady Queen of Angels Roman Catholic Church located at 162 Wheeler Street in Central City. www.mulcahyfuneralhome.com

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