Robert Carton Canapary, 90, a longtime resident of Oak Park and River Forest, died on July 14, 2017. He had lived with Alzheimer’s for several years but maintained his sense of humor and positive outlook on life. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1926, he attended the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, currently known as New York University Tandon School of Engineering, where he received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering.
In 1955, he started his career with Nalco Chemical Company, which brought him to the Chicago area. After many years with Nalco, he followed his passion and started working in the financial industry where he received many awards for accomplishments and service to his clients.
Together with friends, he was a founding member of Alcuin Montessori School in Oak Park and became the first president of the Illinois Montessori Society. He was also a member of the Optimist Club of Oak Park and remained a competitive bridge player, an avid Scrabble fan, and successful crossword puzzle-solver throughout his illness.
Robert Canapary was the husband of Anne for 65 years; the father of Rich (Sandee) Canapary, Mary Anne Manley, Sue (Michael) Flanagan, Jim (Linda) Canapary, and Joanne (Greg) Stopka; the grandfather of Brock, Heather (Catherine), Jenny, Jackie, Bob, Karen, Sean (Katie), and the late Lucas; brother to Jane Ellyn (the late Al) McNerney, and the late Bill Canapary; and the uncle of many.
A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, July 21 from 3 until 8 p.m. at Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, 203 S. Marion St. in Oak Park. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 22 at River Forest’s St. Luke Catholic Church, 7600 Lake St., followed by private interment.
In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations made to the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Illinois Chapter, 430 W. Bryn Mawr, Ste. 800, Chicago 60631, www.act.alz.org and 847-933-2413.
