Donald Edward Knepper

Donald Edward Knepper, 66, was called to our Lord on Wednesday, March 25th, 2026, at Duke University Hospital. In the days preceding his passing, he was visited by family and many friends who loved him dearly. Known by most as Don, he was Donnie to his parents and siblings. He was born in Portsmouth, VA, which was just one of the many places he lived in the US throughout his childhood as a military brat.
His career in the restaurant industry started as a teenager in Omaha, NE, but one of his many family moves brought him back to Virginia. There he met Ellen, his wife of 40 years, at the local Red Lobster. He worked in many different restaurants throughout his career and established lifelong friendships along the way. Many will remember Don's phrase, "God Bless America" during stressful moments on the job; what he really wanted to say was open to interpretation. They will also remember his incredible work ethic and how he thrived working with a great team. He semi-retired and began substitute teaching at a few elementary schools in Raleigh, NC, where he lived with his family for the past 20 years. As a lifelong learner himself, he truly enjoyed getting the chance to share his knowledge and make connections with the students. While it was a brief experience, it was very meaningful to him, and he made lasting impressions on the students and teachers who were fortunate enough to interact with him.
Don was a man with many passions. As a child, the love of reading was inspired by his mother Evelyn, with a focus on fantasy. Tolkien, Star Trek, Marvel and DC were among his absolute favorites. Don loved sharing his insight about all of them! He attended Old Dominion University and majored in History. His enthusiasm to learn all he could on the topic was apparent in his library of books. He prided himself on having a memory like a steel trap. He had an uncanny ability to recall endless facts about random trivia, sports (a diehard 49ers fan), and another love of his, music. Bruce Springsteen was an early and lifelong favorite. Don's music trivia knowledge was beyond impressive, and he often wore one of his favorite t-shirts that read: "I may be old, but I got to see all the Cool Bands!" and he sure did! As Jeopardy's number one fan, he never missed a show and came close to being a contestant twice, a dream of his.
We called Don a foodie, and for good reason, it was a way of expressing himself. He loved to research restaurants in places he would ultimately visit, and he would eat just about anything. He encouraged that same passion for food in his four children, Kristin, Brian, Michael and Daniel. A great cook with many family favorites, meals with Don were a highly anticipated pleasure whenever they would visit.
Don had an immense love for his family and took immeasurable pride in his children. He relished in all their accomplishments through the years and loved to watch them interact with each other and their many friends. His wife Ellen was his partner in crime; he loved her and their children with all his heart and soul. We are forever grateful that in September of 2025, Don and his family were able to take a memorable trip to Dublin, London and Paris. Unfortunately, his dream to do more traveling could not be realized.
Don is preceded in death by his loving mother Evelyn, her sisters Connie and Loly, her brother Richard, and his Uncles Don and Jerry on his father's side. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Ellen, daughter Kristin and husband Mark, sons Brian, Michael and partner Drew, and Daniel and fiancé Caroline. His siblings Cathy, Steve and wife Galina, David and wife Penny, Paul and wife Michel, and Patty and husband Blake. Also, his Aunt Bunnie and Uncle Cliff, Aunt Joyce, as well as many in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
He left the world in a better place than how he found it, and more enjoyable for all of those who knew him. It cannot be measured how greatly he will be missed. There will be a Celebration of Life honoring Don scheduled at a later date.