John R. Knoblauch

John R. Knoblauch, 83 Of Wilmington, DEandNorwood, PA John R. Knoblauch, 83,much loved husband andfather, died on July6, 2011after a short illness.A member of the "Greatest Generation", John Knoblauch was the third of five children of Charles A. Knoblauch and Philomena DeCaro Knoblauch. He spent his early years in varioushouses and farms in and around the Philadelphia area. In 1944 he enlisted in the Merchant Marines. After basic training at Kings Point, NY, he served as aseamanon Liberty Shipsin theAtlantic,Mediterranean andPacific routes.In 1949 he left the maritime service to marry Regina Lyons Knoblauch with whom he fathered eight children. Most of his careerwas spent workingas a draftsman for the Large Turbine Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp.in its EngineeringDepartment in Eddystone, PA.In later yearshe served as an systemsanalyst for the Westighouse Information Systems, Operations Division,moving with the Company to Orlando in the early 1980s. After the death of his first wife in 1996 hemarried Norah Tanski andmoved toWilmingtonwhere he lived until his death. During his yearsliving in Norwood, he was active in politicsserving as Chairman of the Norwood Democratic Party andmember of the Borough Council.He was also an active member of Toastmasters International. He was an avid writer of poetry, a talented artist and continued his love of boating from his seaman days.He was well read, an autodidact in many different areas and freely shared his knowledge, skills and interests with all his children. Survivors: His wife Norah; his sisters, MaryMiller of Escondido, CA,Florence Sageand Pauline Hoot both of Brookhaven PA; children Martin of Philadelphia,PA, John Jr. ofOrlando, FL,Thomas of Collegeville, PA, William of Norwood, PA,Francis of Orlando, FL,Joseph of Coral Springs, FL,Paul ofOviedo, FLand Mary Jean White of Holmes, PA; their respective spouses; 15 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren. Viewing Tesday, July 12th 7 to 9 PM at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike (Rt. 202, S. of Silverside Rd.), Wilmington, DE 19803. Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, July 13th at 11 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations in the decedent's name to the charity of choice. Online Condolences: www.mccreryandharra.com