Thomas Phillip Knorr, Jr.

Thomas Philip Knorr, Jr, 52, of Pen Argyl, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 20, 2024. Born December 10, 1971, he was the son of Thomas and Gail (Morris) Knorr. He was a 1990 Graduate of Pen Argyl Area High School.

Tommy is survived by his brother Garth Knorr and partner Heather Nichol, sister Megan Knorr, brother Seth Knorr and wife Christy, sister Hannah Painter and husband Mike, sister Lydia Rogers and husband Dave, and sister Anne Knorr and husband Sean LaFleur. He is also survived by nieces and nephews: Kadyn, Max, Austin Knorr, Aiden Knorr, Diesel Knorr, Ella Knorr, Chase Knorr, Gavin Painter, Logan Painter and Charis Rogers.

Tommy wrote, “I am chosen, born again, saved, a child of God, a son of God, a baptized person committed to following the Lord”. Tommy was the oldest of seven children, born, raised, and lived out his life in Pen Argyl, PA. Tommy achieved many awards in athletics and academics. Tommy was caring, loving, thoughtful, cheerful and positive in childhood and adulthood. He was a funny guy, who had a big heart, and an infectious laugh. He had an impeccable memory and loved to tell his treasured childhood stories down to the date and time. 

Tommy played baseball in Little League, Babe Ruth, Junior Varsity, Varsity, American Legion, College and Adult Leagues. He competed in 11 All Star games. He lettered in Soccer, Basketball and Baseball. In 1990 he was selected as All Colonial League baseball All Star outfielder. In 1980 Tommy received the Gold Medal by winning the Pitch, Hit and Run competition at Veterans Stadium. At 13, Tommy won the Knights of Columbus Free throw Championship. Tommy achieved a .500 batting average his senior year at Pen Argyl Area High School. He was awarded the Top Offensive Player for the Pen Argyl baseball team during his Junior and Senior years. Tommy was awarded by the Northampton County American Legion Baseball League in 1989: North Division Champions, Most Triples and No Errors. Tommy’s Juniata College baseball team won the Mid Atlantic Conference Baseball Championship in 1991. In 1991, as a Freshman, Tommy was presented the Varsity J Award at Juniata College in recognition of outstanding performance as a member of the baseball varsity athletic team. 

Tommy attended Keystone Boy’s State and served with honor in the office of the State Senator. Tommy was awarded the Bronze Good Citizenship in 1990 on behalf of The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. He received Outstanding Academic Achievement Award by the Presidential Academic Fitness Awards Program in 1990. Awarded Overall Scholastic Excellence in 1989. He was awarded the Golden Knight Award in 1990. Achieved National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society. The United States Navy recognized Tommy as an outstanding young American. He was presented a PTA scholarship in 1990. He was recognized in the high school’s newspaper Senior Spotlight. In 9th Grade Tommy won the U.S. Constitution Essay Contest. Attended Lions Club Youth Seminar in 11th grade. He was presented with Top 5 award for overall scholarship in 10th and 11th grades. Tommy participated in Scholastic Scrimmage Club, Student Council, Ski Club, Chorus, Geology Club, Senior Play and as a Class Senator. 

Although Tommy disliked his challenging circumstances, he loved life. He never had anything bad to say about anyone. We will miss seeing him sitting on the front porch.

 A Memorial Service will be held, Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 6 PM at Slate Belt Nazareth Baptist Church, 1620 Church Road (Plainfield Township), Pen Argyl.  There will be a visitation beginning at 4PM until time of services at the church. 

Online condolences may be offered at www.ruggierofuneralhome.com. 

The Ruggiero Funeral Home, LLC, Pen Argyl is in charge of arrangements.