Arthur E. Knapp

Arthur Earle Knapp of Reading died July 18, 2011 at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veteran Hospital in Bedford. He was 87 years of age. Arthur was born on December 16, 1923 in Melrose, the son of Arthur C. and Eva (Farr) Knapp. Arthur was a life long resident of Reading. He attended Reading schools and was a graduate of Reading High School class of 1941. Arthur also attended the Massachusetts College of Art. Arthur proudly served his country during World War II in the Army Air Force in Central Europe. He was honorably discharged as a Flight Officer. Arthur worked as a Commercial Designer. He last worked for Houghton Mifflin Co. in Boston for 21 years retiring in 1986. Arthur was active in the town of Reading sitting on several boards including the Reading Symphony, the Reading Library Foundation, and the Reading Art Association which he and his father started. Arthur was the beloved husband of Lorna D. (Carter) Knapp. He was the devoted father of Amy Palmer of Reading, Steven C. Knapp and his wife Darlene of Andover, Andrea Wilger and her husband Robert of San Jose CA, and Amanda Marasca and her husband Stephen of Derry, NH. Arthur is the cherished brother of Gardner Knapp of Foley AL, Merilyn Russell of Wakefield and the late Lois Donovan. Arthur was the loving grandfather of Justin, Melissa and Brian Knapp; Jennifer and Stephanie Marasca; Jonathan and Raymond Wilger . A Memorial Service celebrating Arthur's life will be held Sunday July 31 at 3 pm at the First Congregational Church 25 Woburn St. in Reading. Relatives and friends invited to attend. Burial is private and there are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Arthur's memory to either the Reading Library Foundation PO Box 96 Reading MA 01867 or the Reading Food Pantry 6 Salem St. Reading, MA 01867. Arrangements are under the direction of the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home, Reading. For information and on line guest book visit johnbdouglassfuneralhome.com