Michael J. Knapp

Michael J. Knapp “beloved husband, father, and grandfather”

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA---Michael J. “Mike” Knapp, 67, of Shinglehouse, passed away with his loving family by his side on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, after a long illness.

Born on Friday, February 15, 1957 in Olean, NY, he was a son of Kenneth W. and Helen M. Loughrey Knapp. On August 14, 1976 in Ceres, he married Valarie E. Howard, who survives.

Mike was a graduate of Bolivar (NY) High School. While in high school, he was in the BOCES program for food service. In his earlier years, he worked at restaurants in Olean, NY and Buffalo, NY as a chef. He was employed for many years at the former Stroehmann Bakeries in Olean, retiring in 2005 due to ill health.

Mike was an avid fisherman before he had to retire from Stroehmann’s. He also liked to read and enjoyed his time showing rabbits with Casey. He was a member of the American Rabbit Breeders Association and the National Federation of Flemish Giant Rabbit Breeders who awarded him the Master Breeder Award in 2018, an award he was very proud of.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 48 years are two daughters, Heather C. Knapp of Coraopolis, and Casey E. (Dusty) McDonald of Shinglehouse; a grandson, Drayton T. McDonald; a brother, Brian (Mary Anne) Knapp of Spring Mills; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mike was predeceased by two brothers, Pete Knapp and Kenneth Knapp; and three sisters, Patricia Knapp, Pearl Nolan, and Katherine “Ann” Cone.

In keeping with Mike’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mike’s name may be made to Kids and Cancer, PO Box 1299, Bradford, PA 16701; to Volunteers That Care, PO Box 750, Coudersport, PA 16915; or to the Oswayo Valley Memorial Library, PO Box 188, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.

Mike’s wife has entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Mike, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

Special thanks to Danielle Gregoire-Lingle PA-C, the Bradford Regional Medical Center Oncology Department, UPMC Cole, and Sweden Valley Manor.