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Michael Clapp Obituary
February 22, 1993 – April 10, 2018
Michael was born on February 22, 1993 in Long Beach, the son of Patti and Edward Clapp. He attended elementary school in San Pedro followed by Chadwick Middle School in Palos Verdes. Mike started high school at Palos Verdes High School and graduated from Long Beach Wilson. His golf skills earned him a golf scholarship to Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. However, the allure of ACC football was too strong and he transferred to Clemson where he became an intense Tigers fan.
Mike was a passionate fiddler and golfer from a very early age. He traveled the state and country playing in fiddle contests and golf tournaments (his mother, Patti, doubling as travel agent, driver, coach and more). At Palos Verdes High School he played football (where he was affectionately known as "Ocho Cinco") and golfed on the varsity team as a freshman. He transferred to Long Beach Wilson for a more competitive golf environment where he found team spirit and lifelong friends.
After college Mike followed in his father's footstep and became a marine clerk with the ILWU Local 63, quickly rising to become a vessel planner. He had many great friends at the port that he considered his second family.
In 2014 Mike became a father when his first son Corbin was born. At that point he became known to his friends lovingly as Clappdaddy. His second son, Chance, was born in 2015 which made him the proud father of two wonderful boys--Irish twins--that he loved immensely. Mike leaves many wonderful friends behind. He was genuine and compassionate, he touched many lives. He had a warm, contagious smile that lit up the room. He never met a stranger and was quick to welcome a new friend.
Mike is survived by his mother, Patti; and his two sons, Corbin and Chance. He is preceded in death by his father, Edward.
Please sign the guestbook at www.presstelegram.com/obits
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Clapp
34 Entries
Gorun Victor Vladeanu
April 1, 2023
Rest in peace Michael. We were fourth and fifth grade classmates at Park Western. Your lighthearted and friendly personality warmed the rooms and hallways. Your violin skills brought magic and light to all who were lucky enough to be within earshot.
Kristine Craig
March 15, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss and just finding out about this. My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Mike. He was a good dude. Can’t believe god needed him this early. Everything happens for a reason.
Timothy Vicencio
October 7, 2018
Mikey!! My brother so saddened by the news. Your memory will live on with me forever. Sending love from my parents and my family to your Mom Patti. Just finding out and at a loss for words.
Leah King
June 20, 2018
Dear Patti,
I'm so sorry to hear this and so sorry for your loss...I can't believe it. I don't have your number. Please give me a call if you have a chance 8582050951
~Leah King
Tammy Palmer Higuera
June 9, 2018
I have tried many times to go into this site and share my feelings and my memories about my wonderful beautiful nephew, Michael. I miss him so very very much. He could not possibly have been loved more then how much he was loved by his mother, His family And anyone and everyone who ever knew him. From the time he was a little boy he was always so sweet and so kind and so loving. He was talented and excelled at everything he took an interest in such as golf, violin, baseball. I loved going to his violin recitals And watching him at the fiddle camps he would go to in the summer. I will always have the memories of Michael and I playing handball and basketball and history I've way when he was only 10 or 11 and I was much too old to be playing probably but we had such a good time and my moves really made him laugh. And laugh he did and he had the most beautiful most infectious smile Ever. Those beautiful blue eyes and his wonderful smile were something you could never forget seeing. Michael will be in my heart and my memories forever. I am so gratefu lhe was in my life even though it was not nearly long enough. He was taken from us much too soon. I love you Michael so very much and i always will. Aunt Tammy
May 18, 2018
I am so sorry for your great loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted," and "comforts all who mourn," sustain your family during this challenging time. Isaiah 61: 1, 2 With heartfelt sympathy.
Cheryl Culevski
May 8, 2018
Mikey, like so many others, I've loved you since i met you. You were the laughing little boy that all the kids sought out. You weren't even 2 yet! It has been a joy to see you grow up, and heartbreak to see you go. Gone but never ever forgotten. You are held closely in my heart, and those of all the Culevskis.
Liz A
May 4, 2018
Patti,
So very sorry for your loss. Reading about Michael I can see that he was such a vibrant and amazing person with so much talent. And two beautiful young sons. My heart aches for you and my prayers are with you and your family, wishing you comfort in this difficult time.
Love, Liz A
Patrice
May 1, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss Remember that God wants to care for you during this most difficult time Pouring out your heart to him in prayer can bring you much comfort and strength Romans 12:12
Vicki Martinez
April 23, 2018
Patti
Bob and I are so sorry to hear about Michael. We fondly remember all the times our sons played baseball at Eastview, and of course the time you, Michael and Eddie came to Catalina with us for a visit. Please know that we will keep you in our prayers.
Love Bob and Vicki Martinez
Lee Sutter
April 22, 2018
Words can't express my sorrow. My precious nephew, my brother Eddie's only child. He was only 10 when he lost his dad; they were very close. 25 is much too young to die.
Eddie and his mom Patti, (and since Patti had more years with him), ensured he had a full, well-rounded life while he was growing up.
My fondest memories are camping with his dad, his mom, and Mikey, from the time he was a toddler, at the Strawberry Music Festival near Yosemite. I treasure those times.
He has so many family members who adored him. He was gentle, kind, sensitive, and had such a sweet spirit, a big heart. RIP our sweet boy.
Dayna Berman
April 22, 2018
There is no doubt that Michael's passing is a great loss to all who knew him. Please know that you have my most sincere thoughts of sympathy and love.
Brenda Ellis
April 21, 2018
It was great sharing stories with Mike about my home town North Carolina.,,,(AT PEACE)
Jackie Bebich
April 20, 2018
Dear Patti,
We were so saddened when we heard of Michael's passing. We will always remember his fiddling at 5th grade Culmination from Harbor Magnet. Sending love and prayers for peace and strength during this difficult time.
Love,
The Bebich Family
April 20, 2018
Dear patty
So sorry too hear about Mike.
Condolence to you and may you find comfort with memories.
Take care
Darla
April 20, 2018
dear dear patti,
i am so sorry to read of michael's passing and can't imagine the pain you must be feeling.
your many friends love you and are here if you need anything.
in love and sorrow,
Brigit Hamanaka
Vito +Dawn Gioiello
April 20, 2018
Dear Patti, we are ever so sadden and feeling the hurt I wish you Peace and Strength in this most difficult time. I will always remember him as a Dodger from Little League , his smile will forever be with me !
Laura Long Beach Autohaus
April 19, 2018
Patti The right words can be so hard to find. Simply know that I'm thinking of you every moment. Michael was one of kind, his smile will for be in my heart. We are here for you in anyway necessary. We love you very much and just know your not alone.
SANDRA CLAY
April 19, 2018
Patti, we at AMUSE remember joyous moments with you and Michael in early childhood music classes, and later, as he began his violin/fiddling lessons. As his ECM teacher, and the owner of AMUSE, he was one of my unique and special little guys, an amazing young child who fell in love with the violin/fiddle at the age of 2/3. He was so blessed to have you there supporting him every "musical note" of the way. I am so saddened to hear of his passing; I send my deepest sympathy to you and to Michael's young sons.
Sandra Clay, President
AMUSE Music, Inc.
Nancilyn Burruss
April 19, 2018
Patti - I do not know you or your family, but I have a son about Michael's age and can't imagine your pain right now. After reading his obituary, I felt compelled to send you a condolence. He was obviously a marvelous young man who accomplished so many things and toched so many lives in his short time here. Thank goodness for your grandsons, and I'm sure they'll get to know about their dad with the wonderful stories and memories you'll share with them. Let him live in your heart, and you obviously raised a wonderful young man. He's in God's arms now, but his spirit and love will live on in you forever. Big hugs from a total stranger who cares.
Mauryne Fennell
April 19, 2018
Patti,
I was shocked and terribly saddened to read about Michael's passing. What a terrible loss for you. I hope knowing that a part of him lives on in your two grandsons gives you comfort. You are in my thoughts.
Mauryne Fennell (from Park Western Elementary)
Cindy Warren
April 19, 2018
Ms. Clapp,
My heart is broken today learning the news of Michael's passing. He was a wonderful young man who we were honored to have play on our JAGS Junior Tour. His compassion for golf was matched by his talent and he always played with Honor, Integrity and Character. He was a remarkable and dedicated young man and it was a privilege to have known him. May he Rest In Paradise. Cindy Warren
Vic Giardina
April 19, 2018
4/19
Nothing can fill the void of the loss of Michael. I remember him as the brightest student, full of life and promise. I know his spirit lives on in his sons. I feel ur loss as we all do from the Park Western Place community.
Maria Weston
April 19, 2018
Oh, Patti, I was so sorry and sad to read of Michael's passing. I can't even imagine the pain of it all. Know that you are in my thoughts and I send you peace and love.
Lisa Levine
April 18, 2018
Dear Patti,
We are so sorry to hear of this terrible loss.
Mike had such an amazing talent with golf and I know our sons had a great time on the golf team together. I will always remember his kind smile and great laugh.
May your beautiful memories bring comfort to you.
The Levine Family
Maurine Cecil
April 18, 2018
I'm so sorry for your loss, I hope happy memories will help carry you through this difficult time.
April 18, 2018
Hey Michael,
We played Jr golf together and always had fun. Hope your in a better place. Cheers
Ron Galosic
April 18, 2018
Patti,
I'm so sad to hear the news of Michael, and my heart goes out to you and his boys. Words can't explain how sad i was when i read this today. I will always remember Michael as a great kid who loved to be challenged.
Michael will be missed.
Ron Galosic
(Coach Ron)
April 18, 2018
To Patti,
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tony Schwab, Billie Rae & Melinda
Lesley Anderson
April 18, 2018
Patti- This is a blast from the past from Harbor Magnet. I often think of you and your family. My family and I are so sorry to hear of your loss.
L.A.
April 18, 2018
sorry for your loss, knew Michael from Wilson golf.Andrew Morgan's grandfather.
V K
April 18, 2018
My condolences to the Clapp family for the loss of your loved one. May cherished memories of Michael bring light during this dark time. May you rely on our Father God who safeguards us from our distress. Psalms 32:7
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