#Middlebury #Southbury #Obituary
Michael Christian Canniff, 40, of Southbury, formerly of Marshfield, Mass., burned bright and fast before entering into life eternal on May 30, 2018 in Seattle, Wash. Mike charmed all with his intense smile, hearty laugh, and extraordinary effort that he put into every endeavor in life. His selfless nature, humor, ingenuity, creativity and dedication to humanity are how we will remember him. The sparkle in his eyes when he interacted with his kids or taught them a new skill, the unbreakable bond and passionate love he shared with his wife, his commitment to his entire family and extended family of friends are testaments to how deeply his emotions ran within him. To his core, Mike was kind, and he had a way of touching everyone around him with his spirit. His persona was larger than life, his energy boundless and infectious.
Born in Weymouth, Mass., in 1978, Mike was a most devoted husband for 13 years to Megan (Gehrkens), and beloved father of daughter June and son Harrison. He also is survived by his mother, Amy Canniff Fasciano (Mark), and father, Michael F. Canniff of Marshfield, loving brother Matt (Theresia) of Pembroke, Mass., and sister Mandy of Kingston, Mass. Glen and Patti Gehrkens of Southbury, Conn. are grieving the loss of their son-in-law as well. He was brother-in-law to Peter (Jill) Gehrkens and Glen (Diane) Gehrkens. Mike shared his love with many adoring aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, colleagues and beloved friends whom he considered family.
Mike graduated from Marshfield High School in 1996. It was at the University of New Hampshire where he first met and fell in love with Megan and graduated in 2000 with a degree in civil engineering. He completed his master’s degree from Fairfield University in 2016. He was employed by St. Vincent’s Medical Center and then by Ascension Health for 15 years. In 2017, he joined US HealthVest in the capacity of executive vice president.
Among his numerous professional achievements, Mike also received his real estate license in Connecticut. He enjoyed soccer, golf, skiing and many other sports. He recently had purchased a new home with his wife, Megan, which they were in the process of lovingly restoring when he suddenly passed.
Mike shared his intensity, passion, irreverent humor, ever-present enthusiasm and optimism with everyone he met. Anyone who had the joy of knowing him will never forget their time with him or the way he made them feel.
Visiting hours will be Wednesday, June 6, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home at 235 Main Street N. in Southbury. A Mass of Christian Burial is planned on Thursday, June 7, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Southbury followed by burial at Pine Hill Cemetery in Southbury at noon. A reception will follow from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Highfield Club at 256 White Deer Rock Road in Middlebury. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mike’s life with us.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to provide ongoing support for Megan, Harry and June through www.gofundme.com/michael-canniff.
To leave an online condolence for the family please visit munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.
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