Michael Vincent Claps

Michael Vincent Claps of Greenport  passed from this world on July 23 2020 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with brain cancer.  Born May 6 1984 in Southampton, Michael graduated Greenport High School in 2002.  A gifted athlete, he played football and was on the wrestling team.  He was also an avid sportsman - snowboarding, skiing and surfing - and had a lifelong passion for fishing.  He served as first mate on The Challenger, a charter fishing boat operated by his father, Dr Vincent Claps.  Father and son spent many hours sailing the waters from Greenport to Montauk and beyond in search of the ‘big one’.
After graduating Providence College in 2006 Michael pursued a degree in International Transportation Management and graduated New York Maritime College with a Masters Degree in 2008.  He started working with Bouchard Chemicals and was soon recruited by Stolt-Nielsen.  After further honing his skills in ship brokering he was recruited by Navig8, one of the world’s largest shipping and management services, and was transferred to Singapore where his talents would be on display internationally.  While there he met Theresa, the love of his life, whom he subsequently married in 2019.  Their mutual love for travel fueled adventures to Sri Lanka and other exotic locales and they spent much of their free time exploring, surfing and fishing. 
But it was his work in the shipping industry which caught the eye of Koch Industries, who recruited him as a freight trader in Singapore and relocated him to Houston, Texas.   It was while he was there that he first fell ill and would begin treatment for his illness.  After a short time, Michael then returned to the North Fork to be with his family for the rest of his days.  Michael’s love of people and his laid back charm endeared him to many and he leaves behind a diverse group of friends around the world who will miss him dearly.  He is survived by his wife Theresa Claps (Tan), and his sister Christina McElroy (Tim), his two nieces Morgan and Nola McElroy and his parents Vincent and Barbara (Helinski).
        In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to East End Hospice (631-288-8410) or to the Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research (888-295-4740)

 Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 28th from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home 735 First St. Greenport.  A funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, July 29th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Agnes RC Church 523 Front St. Greenport.  Interment will follow at St. Agnes Cemetery. *** Masks are required for all services.***

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: East End Hospice PO Box 1048 Westhampton Beach, NY 11978 or Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research 1100 Peninsula Blvd Hewlett, NY 11557

******We are almost at capacity for the allowable attendees at St. Agnes Rc Church for Wednesday, July 29th at 10:00 am. Anyone wishing to attend Michael's Funeral Mass we ask that you please contact Horton-Mathie Funeral Home: (631)-477-0054 and see if space is still available.

*******For those who can not attend in person we will be LIVE STREAMING Michael's Mass right here on our website. Please click the link below at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday.  Thank you

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