Michael G. Schappa

(Chief) Michael G. Schappa sadly passed away on June 24, 2026, from complications of multiple myeloma. Mike was born on September 6, 1951, in Grand Rapids, MI, and was preceded in death by his parents, Josephine and Harry Schappa, and his oldest brother, Dick.

Mike attended Princeton High School in Sharonville, Ohio, where he met his wife of 50 years, Kathy Armitage. The two were married on October 11, 1975. Mike and Kathy have two children, Kara (Aaron) Clark of McCordsville, IN, and Matt (Eryn) Schappa of Center Grove, IN. Mike and Kathy have five beautiful grandchildren: Eleanor, William, Charlotte, Jack, and Eloise. Mike is also survived by his twin brothers, Pete and Steve.

After graduating high school, Mike attended the University of Cincinnati (along with Kathy) where he graduated with a B.S. in Criminal Justice and later earned a Master’s in Education. Mike always had a passion for learning and loved reading about science, philosophy, and religion. He also loved reading science fiction and could not turn away a good spy novel.

After graduating from college, Mike joined the Sharonville Police Department in 1973 as a patrolman. Mike worked his way up through the ranks, becoming a detective, sergeant lieutenant, and eventually Chief of Police in 1990. Mike passionately served the City of Sharonville for 40 years, until his retirement in 2013.

If you asked Mike why he loved being a police officer, he would tell you it was because someone had to stick up for the little guy. But, standing only 5’6” tall, some of us wonder if he was talking about himself. But Mike and Kathy both truly believe in public service. Kathy became a nurse and the two together dedicated their professional lives to caring for others in their worst moments.

After retirement, Mike and Kathy moved to Indiana to be closer to their kids and grandkids. Mike loved to travel to Hilton Head Island, Hawaii, Europe, and anywhere else he could enjoy some sunshine, the beach, or a hike. Some of his favorite retirement adventures involved taking his kids and grandkids on beautiful vacations.

Mike was an avid golfer in retirement and even began working at a local golf club so he could spend as much time as possible around the game. He also never gave up his passion for doing yardwork and handwashing the cars.

His illness was brief, and Mike spent his final Father’s Day surrounded by his family.

A celebration of Mike’s life will take place on July 7 at Flanner Buchanan-Geist, 7855 Cork Road, Indianapolis, IN 46236. Family, friends, and well-wishers are invited to a memorial gathering from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. EDT, followed by a short ceremony at 3 p.m.

Mike regularly gave blood and was proud of the amount of blood and plasma he donated over the years. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you donate to or support your local blood bank.