John R. Knapp

John Richard Knapp of Greene, NY passed away February 11, 2025 surrounded by his loving family at home where he succumbed to lung cancer. The last 10 years of John’s life were met with many major health challenges, and he met all of them with a brave & fighting attitude. At 87, he made his final annual trip to deer camp last fall. He was predeceased by his parents, Earl & Norma Knapp. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Audrey; kids, David (Chrissy Thomsen) and Sue (Tom Parks); grandson, Levi Parks; sister, Patti Madison; sister-in-law, Gail McMahon; special cousin turned friend, Mickey Nesbitt, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. John was born in Binghamton NY & graduated from Chenango Forks in 1955. After school, he joined the US Navy and served 4 years traveling the world on the USS Hazelwood destroyer where he learned the electrical trade. John worked as an electrician for IBEW Local 325 where he held many offices, was an active union member, and retired with over 60 years of service. Matco Electric was his last employer with over 25 years of service. After retirement, John & Audrey enjoyed traveling together, including their cross country van trek to Alaska. John was a member of the Binghamton Adirondack Club & enjoyed most of his life making memories with family & fishing at Portaferry Lake. John was also a member of the Beaver Meadow Lake Club in the Catskills where he loved spending time outdoors, hunting & fishing, four-wheeling and camaraderie with friends. Over the years, John’s other interests included snowmobiling, competition pistol shooting, dancing, playing cards, and after retirement, gardening & mowing lawn. To know John, you always knew his viewpoint, where you stood, he worked hard & played hard, and his drinks of choice were Jim Beam & port wine. He loved a good party, but loved his family & friends the most. John has had many close friendships through the years with his various interests and special neighbors, but the most being his fellowship with BAC & Beaver Meadow groups. A casual celebration of John’s life will be held at Tavern 1244 at Baron’s Inn, Rt. 12, Greene, on Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm with light fare & beverages. The family welcomes anyone who would like to join them in remembering the good times, telling stories, and sharing memories. In lieu of flowers, we would like all donations to go to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 33-39 Court St, Norwich, NY 13815. A special thank you to Carianne, as well as the support of the entire hospice organization. Their help & care during this chapter of John’s life made it possible for him to be home, which was his wish. Arrangements are under the direction of Root Funeral Home, 23 N. Chenango St, Greene, NY 13778 and condolences may be sent to the family at www.rootfh.com.

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