Michael Canonico Jr.

Michael Canonico Obituary

Canonico, Michael Jr. VALLEY FALLS Michael Canonico Jr., 78, finally lost his valiant battle with cancer on August 14, 2019, at home surrounded by loving family and friends. He was the son of the late Michael Sr. and Virginia Canonico; and the husband for 58 years of Joanne Canonico. Mike was a graduate of R.P.I. earning a degree in aeronautical engineering. He retired from the Watervliet Arsenal after many years of service. Mike's passion was playing jazz and classical trumpet at many public venues, including the Saratoga Racetrack, the Coliseum, and Proctors, to name a few. He was devoted to his family. Survivors include a daughter, Dawn Foglia; a son, Joel Canonico and his wife Heather; three grandsons, Ben Foglia and his wife Tiffany, Jason Neal and Christopher Canonico; a great-granddaughter, Audrey Foglia; and three siblings, June, Bruce and Billy Canonico. Family and close friends/musicians are invited to a celebration of Mike's life on Saturday, August 24, from 2 until 6 p.m. at 209 Brundige Road, Valley Falls. Musicians are encouraged and welcome to bring their instruments.

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Published by Albany Times Union on Aug. 18, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Canonico

12 Entries

Charlie Smith

January 15, 2024

I was thinking about Mike recently and the wonderful music he created as a legacy to his tremendous talent. I was sad to see he has passed joining great friends like Nick Brignola whom he played with on countless occasions. I have so many tapes of Mike which are timeless.
Please accept my heartfelt condolances.

Susan Dewes

December 6, 2021

My heartfelt condolences to Dawn, Joel, Joanne and your whole family. I have so many wonderful memories of your father...the times our families together at Camp Kiwanis, I remembered he played Taps so beautifully every evening. I remember he played at the Saratoga Flat Track too, but the most special memory I have of your father is when he played at my father's funeral.

Sue Dewes

November 27, 2020

Joanne, Dawn and Joel, I am so sorry for your loss. I have many good memories of your father during our many family get togethers at our houses, at Camp Kiwanis, and at Grafton. I remember his music, such warm memories of him playing at the Ice Capades, at the Saratoga Flat Track, and at our house, Taps at Camp Kiwanis, and most specially, him playing Dixieland at my father's funeral. Your was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. Sending love and heartfelt condolences for your loss.

Karen Pennell

August 27, 2019

Dear Joanne, Dawn and Joel, so sorry to read of Mike's passing. My love goes out to you. Wonderful musician and really nice man.

Maggie Sewell

August 24, 2019

Sending prayers of comfort to the Canonico family. I was very blessed to know Mike through my dad and him playing dixieland in bands together; talents that cannot be replaced, but never forgotten. I'm certain they are tapping their feet together again...

Mike and the boys

Al Quaglieri, Jr.

August 23, 2019

I will always remember Mike as a gentleman and a world-class musical talent. He was a contemporary of and good friends with my dad, who absolutely loved his playing. My dad would want your family to know just how highly he was regarded - and how much he will be missed - by both of us.

Robert Massaro

August 19, 2019

To Joanne and Family,our sincerest condolences on the loss of your Husband and Father Mike.He was a gentile and truely nice man that I,had the pleasure of knowing and playing music with many years.May God Rest His Soul.Bobby Massaro

Kathy Raymond

August 19, 2019

Dear Joanne, Dawn and Joel,
So sad to hear the news of your Husband and father's passing. I remember staying at your house and hearing the jazz music on Sunday mornings. It was a pleasant way to wake up! Hugs and prayers to all of you.
Kat Boomhower-Raymond

John McGhee

August 18, 2019

Dear Joanne,Dawn and Joel, my heart felt sympathy for your loss.
Pan Am was so privileged to have Mike in the Pan Am Band, he amazed us who played with him and countless audiences in Germany, England, Italy, Norway and Australia.
I am unable to make it back East to attend the celebration but I will toast a glass of Australian Red wine on the 24th.
With fond memories of Mike,
As always,
John McGhee

August 18, 2019

I knew Mike from RPI and played with him at the Coliseum and on that special series of performance at the Pompidou Center in Paris. He was a great player and a wonderful person. May he rest in peace. Richard Albagli

Faye Rees

August 18, 2019

never had the opportunity to see Mr. Canonico perform or even meet him but heard his beautiful music coming through the woods one evening while at Dawn's nursery... joy
Dawn may you and your family and friends find peace, comfort and joy in your shares memories of your Dad

Valerie Cowart

August 18, 2019

I am sorry for the loss of your beloved brother, June.

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