Albert E. KNAB

KNAB - Albert E.
Albert E. Knab, combat veteran and Grand Island businessman died peacefully May 24th after a brief illness. Albert was the son of the late Frank and Agnes (Lavocat) Knab and predeceased by brothers William, Eugene, Rev. Frank, Edward, and Anthony and sister Mary (Paul) Snyder. He is survived by sisters Elizabeth (William) Eichorn and Dolores (Andrew) Adam and Theresa (Jack) Brennan. Beloved father to sons Edward (Sophie), William (Ines), Richard (Sheryl), Joseph (Sandra) of Grand Island and daughters Janet Biddlecomb of Medina, Ohio, Judy Knab (Peter Fahrer) of Tonawanda and the late Carol (James) Chretien of California. Also survived by cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren. In 1943, during World War II, at age 18, Albert enlisted in the United States 8th Air Force and trained for aerial combat with B-17's as a ball turret gunner. He was assigned to the 447th Bomb Group B-17 Flying Fortresses on strategic bombardment missions out of Rattlesden, Suffolk, England. Their main focus was hitting sites that would weaken enemy forces by attacking ports, airfields and marshaling yards. He took part in the battles and campaigns in Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. His service to his country was among Albert's proudest achievements. In October of 2012, Albert participated in Honor Flight Buffalo to visit the World War II memorial that was built in honor of the soldiers and veterans of World War II. He said the experience was one of the best moments of his life. Upon honorable discharge, Albert came home, began working in the excavation business until he started his own company in 1948 with his younger brother Edward called Knab Brothers. He was a member of International Union of Operating Engineers Local 17 working on various sites in Lewiston, North Tonawanda and the city of Tonawanda where he took on one of his toughest jobs completing a 200 ft. bore under double Conrail tracks. Knab Brothers was also active in clearing land and preparing for numerous subdivisions on Grand Island. His sons, William, Richard and Joseph joined him in the business and continue the work begun by their father. When not working, Albert enjoyed getting together with family and friends, enjoyed hunting and fishing, was an avid golfer, water and snow skier, and biked well into his 80's. Visitation will take place at Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd. Grand Island, on Thursday from 4pm to 8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Stephen's Church Friday at 9:30 am. Flowers are gratefully declined. Please share condolences at Kaiserfuneral.com.