Obituary for William Joseph Knapp
William Joseph Knapp, beloved husband, father, and Pop Pop, died peacefully at his home in Avon, Connecticut, on December 4, 2020.
Bill was born July 31, 1931, in Los Angeles, California. He graduated from Oregon State University in 1954 with an engineering degree and Varsity letters from the men’s swim team. He met Barbara Jean Blair of Boise, Idaho on a blind date and his persistence led to their marriage in June of 1954.
Bill began his career as an engineer with Bechtel in San Francisco and after jobs at Catalytic Construction and Chemplex he soon rose to Director of Engineering for FMC Corporation where he was responsible for building processing plants around the world. Following FMC he joined United Technologies where he worked until his retirement in 1999. Additionally, he served on the Board of Trustees at Manhattan College in the Bronx.
Bill was quick with a bad joke and a good toast, typically making his beloved dog, Maggie, the focal point. With his joyful outlook on life, he would bring a smile to all who crossed his path. He was an avid sailor and a serious stock market investor. Bill always made an effort to see his children and grandchildren play sports, sing in a choir, or be on stage in a school play. He loved reminiscing about his years coaching baseball and every meal was, as he’d say, “the best meal I ever had.” Bill was everyone's cheerleader.
Bill leaves his wife, Barbara, his children, Gail, Steven, Susan, Sharon, and Michael. He was grandfather to eleven grandchildren and a great grandfather to twelve, with two more on the way. Bill also leaves behind his beloved caregiver Claire Ntege, who provided great fun, laughs, and comfort in these past few years. They all adored their fun-loving Pop Pop; he had a unique relationship with each of them. Bill created a great family life, rich in experiences, focused on education, recreation, creating, travel, and adventure. He left a legacy of life lessons and principles that will shape his family for generations.
Services will be announced at a later date. The Vincent Funeral Home is caring for the arrangements. Please visit Bill’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.
Bill was born July 31, 1931, in Los Angeles, California. He graduated from Oregon State University in 1954 with an engineering degree and Varsity letters from the men’s swim team. He met Barbara Jean Blair of Boise, Idaho on a blind date and his persistence led to their marriage in June of 1954.
Bill began his career as an engineer with Bechtel in San Francisco and after jobs at Catalytic Construction and Chemplex he soon rose to Director of Engineering for FMC Corporation where he was responsible for building processing plants around the world. Following FMC he joined United Technologies where he worked until his retirement in 1999. Additionally, he served on the Board of Trustees at Manhattan College in the Bronx.
Bill was quick with a bad joke and a good toast, typically making his beloved dog, Maggie, the focal point. With his joyful outlook on life, he would bring a smile to all who crossed his path. He was an avid sailor and a serious stock market investor. Bill always made an effort to see his children and grandchildren play sports, sing in a choir, or be on stage in a school play. He loved reminiscing about his years coaching baseball and every meal was, as he’d say, “the best meal I ever had.” Bill was everyone's cheerleader.
Bill leaves his wife, Barbara, his children, Gail, Steven, Susan, Sharon, and Michael. He was grandfather to eleven grandchildren and a great grandfather to twelve, with two more on the way. Bill also leaves behind his beloved caregiver Claire Ntege, who provided great fun, laughs, and comfort in these past few years. They all adored their fun-loving Pop Pop; he had a unique relationship with each of them. Bill created a great family life, rich in experiences, focused on education, recreation, creating, travel, and adventure. He left a legacy of life lessons and principles that will shape his family for generations.
Services will be announced at a later date. The Vincent Funeral Home is caring for the arrangements. Please visit Bill’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com