Stephen E. Knisely

1953 - 2025

Stephen E. Knisely

March 5, 1953 - October 3, 2025

Stephen E. Knisely, ("Steve", "Kn-ize", "Big Steve", "Poppa") 72, of Carlisle, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025, in the Select Specialty Hospital at UPMC Harrisburg. He was born on March 5, 1953, in Harrisburg, and is a son of Shirley A. (McClure) Knisely of Carlisle and the late George Edward "Ed"Knisely. He was married to the late Jacalyn B. "Jackie" Knisely, who passed away on January 20, 2021.

Steve graduated from Boiling Springs High School in 1971, and was an all-star athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. He attended Shippensburg University, where he played football, and eventually transferred to York College of PA, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Steve was a former Juvenile Probation Officer and served as a Correctional Officer and Probation Officer at ABRAXAS Juvenile Center.

Steve was the 3rd generation owner and operator of Knisely's Pet and Farm Center, Inc. in Carlisle for many years. He loved farming and all things associated with agriculture and animals, large and small, and was a member and continuing supporter of the 4-H Program for many years. Steve and his father, Ed, also owned and operated K & K Carriage Company and Knisely's Snow Removal together. He was a member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church, Carlisle, and served as a Youth Group Leader in years past.

Steve was an avid lover of sports - in addition to his high school and college sports career, he played baseball for the Carlisle Moose, he coached the Boiling Springs American Legion Baseball team, coached Pony Football for the Boiling Springs Midget Football program, helped establish and coach the South Middleton Parks & Recreation Youth Girls Basketball program and refereed High School Boys Basketball. He loved going to auctions, playing Bingo, hunting, spending time at the beach, watching sports (especially Penn State football, the Bubblers, and his grandkids) and eating and sharing baked goods with any willing party. Steve was also a member of the NRA and the NWTF, served with the South Middleton Parks & Recreation Board, the Boiling Springs Alumni Association, the Cumberland County Animal Response Team (CART) and the PA State Animal Response Team (START).

In addition to his mother, Steve is survived by two daughters, Alyssa H. "AK" Holstay and her husband, Major Ryan C. Holstay, Pa. Army National Guard, of Carlisle and Ashley H. Satkovich and her husband Michael of Carlisle; two step-sons, Major Christopher S. Brock, USMC and his wife Ireen of Germany and Joshua D. Brock and his wife Emily of Hereford, Ariz.; one brother, Jere A. Knisely of Mt. Joy; one sister, Denise M. Barker of Carlisle; five grandchildren, Monroe "Moji", Jacoby "JJ", , Henley, Gavin, Thomas "Teddy" and Scarlett; several nieces and nephews, and of course, his beloved Knisely's Pet & Farm Center team, past and present.

A visitation will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 12:15 p.m. at The Meeting House, 1155 Walnut Bottom Rd., Carlisle, PA 17015. Pastor Mark Snyder will officiate. The burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cumberland County 4-H Club, 310 Allen Rd, Suite 601, Carlisle, PA 17013. Condolences may be left at www.EwingBrothers.com.