Michael G. Canavan 1946-2024

Mike was born May 9, 1946, to the late George and Mildred Markusic Canavan, in Youngstown.

Mike was a 1964 graduate of Ursuline High School. He was a three-year starter on the basketball team, the all-time leading scorer, high scorer in a single game and was selected as a two-time First Team All-City Athlete in 1963 and 1964. He was also a two-time player for the All-Diocese Team in the Youngstown area.

Mike was retired from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as the human resources director. He was an avid fan of the Columbus Blue Jackets and was a season ticket holder from their inaugural season until 2023. He was also a huge supportive fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes.

He was preceded in death by his wife of over 49 years, Lynda DelGenio Canavan, who passed Oct. 23, 2017; as well as their infant son, Michael Canavan, on March 29, 1972; and a daughter, Christine Canavan, on Aug. 9, 2017. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, Joseph “Joe” and Gerald “Gerry” Canavan; a sister-in-law, Elizabeth “Liz” DelGenio; as well as furbabies, Bonnie and Clyde.

He will be greatly missed by his daughter, Tracy (Frederick) Dallmeyer; and two grandchildren, Autumn and Jonathan Dallmeyer, all of Plainfield, Illinois. He also leaves behind brothers-in-law, Martin “Mart” DelGenio and Steven “Steve” (Deby) DelGenio, all of Georgia; sisters-in-law, Susan “Sue” Canavan of Youngstown and Diana Canavan of San Antonio, Texas; four nieces and nephews, John DelGenio and Emily (Jason) Brooks, all of Georgia, Kathryn DelGenio of New Jersey and Shaun (Amy) Canavan of Florida; and grandniece and grandnephews, Scarlett and Joseph Canavan of Florida and Alvin Brooks of Georgia. Mike was surrounded by close friends and neighbors: Randy, Carrie, Tim, Robin, Heidi and Andy, as well as his friends from church.

Mike steadfastly refused to join the social media world. Even in his refusal, if someone reached out to him, he was ready to lend a helping hand.

At his request, there will be no service, and he finally has joined his beloved family and they are “Together Again.”

Lynda: “Where exactly is home?”

Mike: “Anywhere that you are.”

The Newark Chapel of Henderson-Van Atta-Stickle Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Mike’s name to Ohio’s Hospice of Central Ohio or the Licking County Aging Partners.

www.hendersonvanatta.com

(special notice)