Michael Steven Knapic, D.O., a beloved physician at Wooster Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center for 24 years passed away unexpectedly on March 15, 2024, while golfing with his wife. He was 55.
Dr. Knapic specialized in general orthopedics, adult joint reconstruction, and sports medicine. He was board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathy at the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Athens, Ohio.
Dr. Knapic’s medical training included internships and orthopedic surgery residency at the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Athens and at Doctors Hospital of Stark County in Massillon, Ohio.
He was a member of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, American Osteopathic Association, Ohio State Medical Association and Wayne County Medical Society. He also helped found the Wooster Ambulatory Surgery Center.
Upon his passing his colleagues wrote, “A beloved physician and friend to all in our community, especially to his peers and coworkers, Dr. Knapic served WOSMC and his patients for 24 years and is an irreplaceable loss to us all.”
Kathy Rakovec, Knapic’s clinical manager and close friend described him as “a great person, friend” and said he had a “heart of gold.” She added, “Mike had his hands in so many different things. It was amazing. You can’t replace him whatsoever.”
Knapic was born on January 2,1969. He and his wife of 32 years first met when they were five years old when they were the ring-bearer and flower girl in a wedding. By age 12, they were “boyfriend and girlfriend.” Together they raised two sons Trevor and Garrett and a daughter Hannah.
In 2017, Knapic suffered a stroke, but made a complete recovery and was able to return to his practice.
Besides his wife and children, he also leaves behind his mother, three sisters and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his mother-in-law Sharon and sister-in-law Pam Chipps.
