Gerald Knapp Brewster, New York Obituary

Gerald Knapp

Gerald “Jerry” Knapp of Brewster, NY, died on March 5, 2015, at the age of 70, but his quiet exterior and trademark stubbornness will never be forgotten. Jerry was born on October 5, 1945 in White Plains, New York. He was the 4th child of the late John and Evelyn McClure Knapp. The circumstances surrounding his birth set the stage for a life of courageously facing and defeating adversity with a quiet strength and resolved determination. Jerry never stopped fighting; He never gave up. Jerry was a siding installer by trade, but worked many hours alongside his father in the family-owned business, John Knapp Sporting Goods. He loved being outdoors and would rarely miss a day for a walk through the woods. He was a sportsman and his many kills are proudly displayed on the walls throughout the family home; Including a Jackalope that he swears he shot while on a hunting trip in Wyoming. His fondness of all things John Wayne and westerns was only surpassed by his love of food: cakes, cookies, ice cream, oatmeal, hot chocolate and ravioli were among his favorites. When not outside enjoying nature or tending to the yard, you could find him sound asleep in his recliner while the sound of western television played in the background. Change the channel and you wake the man! Jerry was a quiet man who never turned down an opportunity to help someone in need. He was a caregiver to his brother Jackie who predeceased him in 2003. He then went on to care for his mother and father until their deaths. Jerry had completed the most important work of his life. Sadly, over the past 2 years, Jerry’s memory began to fail him. Yet, he kept going. Strong as an ox with a willpower unmatched by any other. November 2015, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. That was the turning point and inevitable decline of his health. His devout determination to care for his family, friends, and anyone in need had served him well throughout his life. And even in his waning months, he was a model of strong will and sheer determination right up until the end of his journey here on earth. Jerry’s quiet demeanor, goodwill, and love of nature and all of God’s creatures that dwelled on this Earth makes him the sort of man that is admired. Jerry has etched a very special place in the heart of every person he has met. He will be fondly remembered. We were very fortunate to have had him in our lives. He is greatly missed. Also preceding Jerry in death were his older siblings: Jackie and Dolores Knapp. Tremendous heartfelt thanks go to Barbara, a truly compassionate and exceptional hospice nurse and the doctors and nurses at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx who all provided much more than just comfort for Jerry, but also provided peace, tranquility and dignity during his transition from this life into the next. Jerry is survived by his wife, Virginia DeLena; Daughter and son-in-law, Alice and John Alexander; Son, Brian Knapp; Sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Robert Lauro; Brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Drina Knapp; 4 nieces, 5 grandsons, and 2 great-grandchildren. To all who have asked: You may send flowers to Beecher Funeral Home, 1 Putnam Avenue, Brewster, NY 10509; Or if you prefer, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. Cards for the family can be sent to Jerry’s wife and daughter, Virginia and Alice Knapp, 2250 Route 22, Brewster, NY 10509. There will be a burial and a service at the Milltown Cemetery for anyone who wishes to attend. Thank you all for your warm wishes and support that you have shown our family during this diffcult time.
October 5, 1945 - March 5, 201610/05/194503/05/2016
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Obituary

Gerald “Jerry” Knapp of Brewster, NY, died on March 5, 2015, at the age of 70, but his quiet exterior and trademark stubbornness will never be forgotten. Jerry was born on October 5, 1945 in White Plains, New York. He was the 4th child of the late John and Evelyn McClure Knapp. The circumstances surrounding his birth set the stage for a life of courageously facing and defeating adversity with a quiet strength and resolved determination. Jerry never stopped fighting; He never gave up. Jerry was a siding installer by trade, but worked many hours alongside his father in the family-owned business, John Knapp Sporting Goods. He loved being outdoors and would rarely miss a day for a walk through the woods. He was a sportsman and his many kills are proudly displayed on the walls throughout the family home; Including a Jackalope that he swears he shot while on a hunting trip in Wyoming. His fondness of all things John Wayne and westerns was only surpassed by his love of food: cakes, cookies, ice cream, oatmeal, hot chocolate and ravioli were among his favorites. When not outside enjoying nature or tending to the yard, you could find him sound asleep in his recliner while the sound of western television played in the background. Change the channel and you wake the man! Jerry was a quiet man who never turned down an opportunity to help someone in need. He was a caregiver to his brother Jackie who predeceased him in 2003. He then went on to care for his mother and father until their deaths. Jerry had completed the most important work of his life. Sadly, over the past 2 years, Jerry’s memory began to fail him. Yet, he kept going. Strong as an ox with a willpower unmatched by any other. November 2015, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. That was the turning point and inevitable decline of his health. His devout determination to care for his family, friends, and anyone in need had served him well throughout his life. And even in his waning months, he was a model of strong will and sheer determination right up until the end of his journey here on earth. Jerry’s quiet demeanor, goodwill, and love of nature and all of God’s creatures that dwelled on this Earth makes him the sort of man that is admired. Jerry has etched a very special place in the heart of every person he has met. He will be fondly remembered. We were very fortunate to have had him in our lives. He is greatly missed. Also preceding Jerry in death were his older siblings: Jackie and Dolores Knapp. Tremendous heartfelt thanks go to Barbara, a truly compassionate and exceptional hospice nurse and the doctors and nurses at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx who all provided much more than just comfort for Jerry, but also provided peace, tranquility and dignity during his transition from this life into the next. Jerry is survived by his wife, Virginia DeLena; Daughter and son-in-law, Alice and John Alexander; Son, Brian Knapp; Sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Robert Lauro; Brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Drina Knapp; 4 nieces, 5 grandsons, and 2 great-grandchildren. To all who have asked: You may send flowers to Beecher Funeral Home, 1 Putnam Avenue, Brewster, NY 10509; Or if you prefer, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. Cards for the family can be sent to Jerry’s wife and daughter, Virginia and Alice Knapp, 2250 Route 22, Brewster, NY 10509. There will be a burial and a service at the Milltown Cemetery for anyone who wishes to attend. Thank you all for your warm wishes and support that you have shown our family during this diffcult time.

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