Michael Caracappa

Michael J. "Chef Mike" Caracappa, 47, of Clarks Summit, died Wednesday at Moses Taylor Hospital. His wife is the former Rhonda Wanamaker. The couple had recently celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary.

Born in New York City, he was the son of the late Anthony I. and Antonina Maniscalco Caracappa. He graduated from Paul Smith University, New York, with a degree in culinary arts. Mike was a certified executive chef and had been employed by Edelweiss Restaurant, Blakeslee, for 18 years. For the past 11 years, he had been employed as an associate professor of culinary arts at Keystone College.

He was a member of the American Culinary Federation and was accredited by ACF to give certification to executive chefs. He was affectionately known as "Chef Mike" to all his students and friends. Mike also was a member of Crohn's Disease Support Group.

Also surviving are a son, Joshua, at home; a stepson, Steven, a student at Kean University, New Jersey; a stepdaughter, Kristina, a student at William Patterson College, New Jersey; a brother, Anthony and wife, Michelle, Staten Island, N.Y.; a sister, Chrissie Weishoff, Staten Island; two nieces, Rachel and Diana Weishoff; and a nephew, Bart.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the student center on Keystone College's campus with services by the Rev. Paul Fields, pastor of First Baptist Church of Factoryville, and remarks by Dr. Edward G. Boehm, Keystone College president.

The family will receive friends after the service.

Memorials may go to Keystone College, 1 College Green, LaPlume, PA 18440-1009.