John C. Canepa

John Charles Canepa, 87, died peacefully on Thursday January 26, 2018. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marie Canepa, brother Richard Canepa (Beverly) and four children, 11 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Daughter Claudia Wong (Stanley), son John Canepa (Ellen), son Peter Canepa (Kim) and daughter Milissa Agnello (Michael), grandson Wesley Wong (Jaime), granddaughter Samantha Wong, grandson John Canepa, granddaughter Leigh Ann Canepa, grandson Cameron Canepa, granddaughter Nicole Canepa, grandson Peter Canepa, granddaughter Christina Canepa, granddaughter Allison Agnello, granddaughter Emily Agnello, granddaughter Michelle Agnello, great granddaughter Riley Wong and great grandson Lucas Wong. 

John was born on August 26, 1930 in Newburyport, Massachusetts to John and Agnes Canepa. He graduated with a B.A. from Harvard University in 1953 where he played football, basketball and baseball. He also received an M.B.A. from New York University in 1960. He served from 1953 to 1957 in the United States Navy during the Korean War. John started his career in banking in 1956 with the Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City and moved to Provident Bank in Cincinnati Ohio in 1963 before joining Old Kent Bank in Grand Rapids in 1970. John was with Old Kent Bank, where he served as Chief Executive Officer from 1988 to 1995, until his retirement. John was committed to making Grand Rapids a great city for everyone and his involvement with many civic, business and medical communities had a significant effect on the development of the city.. His philosophy of public – private partnership for the betterment of community, education and social organizations is the legacy that he leaves behind. John was an avid sports fan and could often be seen at East Grand Rapids High School football games and particularly enjoyed playing tennis and established the Canepa Tennis Center in East Grand Rapids. John will be deeply missed in the hearts of his family, friends and associates. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, February 1, at 2:00 pm at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew located at 301 Sheldon SE, Grand Rapids. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Stephens Parrish, 750 Gladstone SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506 or the West Michigan Humane Society, 3077 Wilson Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49534. 

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