Search by Name

Search by Name

Amy Knapp Obituary

Dr. Amy Knapp Dr. Amy Knapp, Assistant University Librarian, University of Pittsburgh Library System (ULS), passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2008 at her family's home in Titusville after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was 46 years old. Amy was born on May 9, 1962 in Titusville, Pa., a daughter of Howard L. "Cub" Knapp III and the late Margaret Rose Knapp. A native of Titusville, Pa, Amy graduated from Titusville Area High School in 1980. Amy attended the University of Pittsburgh and received the following degrees: BA (English Literature) 1984, MA (English Literature) 1987, MLIS, 1990, and a Ph.D. in Library Science, 1999. In addition, Amy earned a Certificate of Achievement of MBA Essentials at the Katz Graduate School of Business, Center for Executive Education in 2003. Amy started her long career at the University of Pittsburgh as a student employee at the ULS as an undergraduate student in the 1980s. She was a Semester at Sea Librarian in 1990, and a Database Services Librarian from 1992-1994. In 1994, she was promoted to Coordinator of Librarian Instruction until 2002, when she was promoted and served as the Assistant University Librarian where she managed the Public Services Division and the Departmental Libraries. Along with her ULS duties, Dr. Knapp was a very popular Adjunct Professor at the School of Information Sciences where she taught the following courses: Social Sciences Resources, Information Retrieval, Government Information Resources and Library Instruction. As a result of her popularity with the students, Amy won various teaching awards and faculty recognition awards. Amy also served on various committees at the University of Pittsburgh including: New Faculty Orientation, and Parking and Governance. Most recently, Amy co-authored a book along with ULS University Librarian, Dr. Rush Miller, entitled "Beyond Survival: Managing Academic Libraries in Transition". Dr. Knapp was an active member of the American Library Association and the Association of College and Research Libraries and served on many committees. She was an expert on government documents and presented at various workshops and conferences throughout the world, including China, Italy, France, and Australia. Dr. Knapp was also very committed to her community in the Bloomfield section of the City of Pittsburgh. On various holidays, she served food at local food pantries. Amy was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Amy had a special bond with her niece and nephews. She had an adventurous spirit and was a world traveler, all of which she enjoyed sharing with her family. Amy is survived by her father and step-mother, Howard L. "Cub" Knapp III and Pamela Knapp of Titusville; two brothers, Howard L. "Cubby" Knapp IV and his wife Tammy, and Daniel E. Knapp and his wife Tina, all of Titusville; four step-brothers, Aaron Beach and his wife Teri, Shawn Beach and his wife Amy, Chad Beach, and Scott Beach and his wife Lorraine, all of Titusville; a niece, Molly Knapp; two nephews, Howie and Jacob Knapp; and several step-nieces and step-nephews. The family will receive friends at the Bethel United Methodist Church 15068 State Highway 89 Titusville, Pa. on Saturday, June 7, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at which time a memorial service will be conducted with Rev. Gregory Cox, pastor of College Hill United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Titusville, Pa. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be to the: Dr. Amy Knapp Scholarship Fund, c/o 11378 Willey Road, Titusville, PA 16354. The Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home, 303 N. Washington St. Titusville, PA 16354 is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Erie Times-News on Jun. 3, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Amy Knapp

Not sure what to say?





Randy Bidwell

August 26, 2008

I'm so shocked and saddened to hear about Amy's passing. Amy was one of the sweetest people I knew, all through Grade and High School. She was kind and a truly lovely person. I'll miss you.

Katherine Furlong

July 7, 2008

Amy was my mentor, instructor and friend. I always joked that when I grew up I wanted to be like Amy Knapp - and on many levels, I still hope to live up to her ideals and professionalism. I was so saddened to hear this news.

A friend

June 17, 2008

Amy Knapp was the best instructor I had during library school and deeply influenced the way I work with students and faculty as a librarian now. She also made us laugh and truly enjoy what we chose to do for a living. She will be very missed.

Kara Gruszewski

June 16, 2008

Amy will always be my go-to example of how to be a good teacher. And, even more importantly, she's an example for everyone who knew her of how to live a good life. I always admired her, and I learned so much from her.

Elaine Westbrooks

June 10, 2008

I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Amy Knapp. When I was a student working in Hillman Library in the 80s and 90s I really grew to respect her. Since then I have become a librarian and I have followed her career and kept up with her writings; in fact I just finished reading Beyond Survival. I know that she was a well-liked teacher at SIS-- so many librarians have benefited from her teaching. My sincere sympathy.

Sandy Nadolny Adams

June 10, 2008

I am so sorry to hear about Amy. I went to high school and to UPT with Amy and we were roommates at Pitt's main campus our Jr.and Sr. years. She was a WONDERFUL roommate. We had many great times; two small town girls in the big city. I especially remember all our long talks about our hopes and dreams for our futures and Amy lived the dream she wanted---to travel to teach and to make a difference. It's unfortunate she left us so young. Amy, you will be missed by all those you have touched.

Terrie Dilling(Hoffman)

June 9, 2008

Amy was everything to me I don't have the words to express what she meant or did for me. She was not only my boss, my teacher, but my friend. I owe so much to her, and I will miss her deeply

Beverly Voigt

June 6, 2008

I was so sorry to hear of Amy's death. I knew Amy in the early/mid-80s when we took lit classes and worked together at Hillman Library, and I met some of her family on a trip to Titusville. She was a wonderful, good person. I remember her smile and her beautiful eyes, her long eyelashes. She was such a good friend to everyone, always thoughtful and generous, and one of the smartest people I've ever met. She will always be in my memory as one of the really good people in my life. Please accept my condolences. I am so sorry for your loss.

Bhuva

June 6, 2008

Amy was one of the happiest and most effective lecturers I've ever had at the University of Pittsburgh, and her enthusiasm for the subjects she taught was infectious. I think of her often when I teach, and hope I can be as effective a lecturer as she was. We will all miss her.

My heartfelt sympathies to Amy's family.

Greg McCormick

June 6, 2008

For Amy

A serious problem presents itself
and it ends up through channels with her.
It’s refuse, it’s muck, it’s music
to ears that cannot hear.

But she throws out an arm and grins,
makes a side swipe at the logic,
goes around a curve, taking a trip
to find the answer to the question.

All her gestures point to nothing,
direct us each toward ourselves to
manufacture kinds of armatures
for some connection with love.

Tamara Smith

June 5, 2008

Amy was a great friend, mentor and teacher -- and the biggest Simpsons fan I've ever met! I remember her gov docs and library instruction classes were two of the ones I most looked forward to because of the warmth and humor she brought to her teaching. She encouraged me whenever I doubted myself, and she celebrated my triumphs. I'm a better librarian--and a better person--for having known her, and I will miss her dearly.

A Found Friend

June 5, 2008

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Knapp Family. Forever, you will all be in my prayers.
Love is stronger than death.
So I must be content to know that
love is not affected by death--
it doesn't end, it doesn't diminish, it doesn't change.
Instead, love is immortalized
and eternalized through death.
And the possibility of that love ever being damaged or broken
is eliminated forever.
I'll put my trust in love.

I had the pleasure of meeting Amy Knapp back in 2001 when I started the Master's Program at Pitt. I was able to bound with Amy on an academic, professional and personal level. She had such a warm, positive, caring spirit about her, that will be forever missed. I will truly miss you Amy.

Sally Jones

June 5, 2008

I had Amy for two classes when I was working on my MLIS, and I found her to be so fun and warm. We were never bored when Amy was teaching! She was a wonderful person, and having her as a teacher has made me a better librarian. My sympathies to the Knapp family.

Barb Stolar

June 5, 2008

To the Knapp Family,
I was acquainted with Amy over 25 years ago when I worked at UPT and Amy was a student. I accompanied a group of students on a trip to New York City and Amy was one of the students on that trip. I recall her as a bright, sensitive gal with a wonderful sense of humor. For years I have told a story about what an eye opening trip this was for the students from Titusville....especially those who lived in Titusville. I recall vividly, Amy being quite distraught at seeing the homeless people on the streets of New York. On our way to the theater one night, a homeless man approached her for some change, Amy pulled out a $20 (which was a lot to a college student in the early 80's) and said...."Sorry, I don't have any change...please take this". I tried to intervene and Amy insisted that the man needed it more than she. I have worked with thousands of students in my career I was so impressed with her generosity and reaction that years later I recall this memory vividly.

I am so sorry for your loss.

Jeanette

June 5, 2008

My heart and prayers go out to Amy's family and loved ones. I had the pleasure of both being in her Gov. Docs. class a few years back, as well as working with her at Hillman. She was a true joy and always lit up a room with her fun spirit.

Heather Scott

June 5, 2008

Dear Knapp Family -

I am so sorry to hearing about the passing of Amy. I had the honor of working with her when I was a reference intern at Hillman Library during my first year in library school. She had a great sense of humor and an aura that attracted people to her. Also, she was a wonderful teacher who made learning library science interesting. I am sorry for your loss - she will be greatly missed.

Bridget Belardi

June 4, 2008

While lamenting my second semester course schedule with a colleague, she said, "Don't worry, you're so lucky to have Amy Knapp." I certainly was! Her enthusiasm and passion for the content and her ability to relate to her students made an intimidating course very fun. My sympathies go to her family during this difficult time, but also to the other students in the Information Science program at Pitt who were not as lucky to have her in class. Amy will be missed by many but her legend will live on in the lives she touched.

Mike and Tracy Lawless

June 4, 2008

Our deepest sympathies to the Knapp Family. My husband and I met her while working for Oxanna Kaufmann in the Preservation Dept of Hillman in the early 1990's. We are deeply saddened by her passing. We had great times together back then and have such fond memories of her. Although we have not seen her in many years, just thinking of her brings a smile to our face.

Robin Poland

June 4, 2008

Dr. Amy Knapp was truly a great person and educator...and I know she will be missed by many family members and friends. I am glad to have had the opportunity to be her student.

j c

June 4, 2008

My sympathies to the Knapp family. I had not seen Amy in over 10 years and am glad that I got to see her this past May.

Curt Friehs

June 4, 2008

Amy was a great professor and librarian. Pitt just won't be the same. Thank you for all the help along the way and making me a better librarian.

Susanah Hanson

June 4, 2008

My deepest sympathies to you all at Amy's death. She was a great teacher, making even the dry subject of government documents seem exciting and fun.

Jean Crawford

June 3, 2008

Knapp Family,

Please accept our condolences on your great loss. My husband, Tom, and I were students with Amy at Pitt in the English Department as both undergraduate and graduate students, and Amy and I worked together in the University Library System for several years. We always had a lot of laughs and and fun. Amy was a wonderful person and will be sorely missed.

Cindy Ricke Zinram

June 3, 2008

Amy and I were best friends since 2nd grade. It's how we always introduced and described each other because we were NEVER without each other. Later, as adults, we always kept in each others thoughts, minds and prayers. She told me that some of our "life experiences" became part of her lessons in her classroom. So, to her students, yes, I really do exist and I believe the comments I've read that she was the best teacher you have ever had! She has literally touched people's lives all around the world. I will miss Amy more than I can say, and I will always be available for the family anytime they need me.

Barbara Sturni Long

June 3, 2008

I was a student of Amy's in Pitt's MLS program. She was a wonderful teacher who made her class interesting and fun. Future MLS students will miss out on having such a great teacher. My condolences to the Knapp family on your loss. Sincerely,

Karen Rondestvedt

June 3, 2008

Amy, it was a joy knowing you and working with you while I was at Pitt. I'm so sorry you were taken from us so soon.

Eleanor Ferber

June 3, 2008

Knapp Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy. I knew Amy from working in ULS for many years, and she was always very friendly to me. A very lovely girl who I know you will miss very much. Eleanor

Mary Wall

June 3, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Amy was an amazing person - so smart, funny, and caring. I feel fortunate to have known her as a friend and fellow librarian.

Laverna Saunders

June 3, 2008

Amy was a wonderful colleague whose knowledge and spirit added greatly to the efforts of librarians in Pittsburgh.

Shannon Stevenson

June 3, 2008

I was one of Amy's numerous students in the MLIS program at Pitt. She was an effervescent teacher who clearly conveyed a wealth of knowledge--and she made the material fun! I use the things she taught me every day in my work. I am forever grateful to her, and know that she will be dearly missed by so many. I send my sincere sympathies to her family and friends.

Lisa Mitten

June 3, 2008

I happened to be in Pittsburgh two weeks ago, and my daughter Jessica and I stopped in to see Amy in the hospital. I'm so glad we did. She was a special person, always upbeat and positive and just fun to be around. She'll be missed. My deepest condolences to all.

donna barber

June 3, 2008

Amy was my neighbor. I feel blessed to have known her. She was always so positive! My sincere sympathy to her wonderful family.She will be missed. Donna

Jean Ann Croft

June 3, 2008

I loved Amy. She was a wonderful mentor to me and always encouraged me within my profession. I will miss her very much. I am very sorry for your loss and will keep her friends and family in my thoughts and prayers.

Marilyn & Anthony Di Paolo

June 3, 2008

To Amy's family: Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Amy will be missed by many. We knew Amy for many years from working at the University, and always found her to be a generous, kind person.

Friend

June 3, 2008

Amy was a wonderful teacher, colleague and person.

Jen-chien Yu

June 3, 2008

My heart goes out to you at this time for Amy was a kind and generous individual. When I was a graduate student at Pitt, although I was never in Amy’s classes, what she gave me during our short interaction changed my life forever. I will always remember Amy in my heart.

Margaret

June 3, 2008

Amy Knapp was not only the best teacher in the MLIS program, she was the best teacher I've ever had. It was a privilege to be in her class.
And a heck of a lot of fun. Amy Knapp knew how to tell a story.

Barbara Hieber

June 3, 2008

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Charlie Riley

June 3, 2008

I'll miss you, Amy. You were an inspiration and the best mentor I could have hoped to have. I feel fortunate to have known you.

Rachell Youngman

June 3, 2008

Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Amy and I shared an interest in beautiful gardens. When I bought my home she gave me her gardeners name. I now have a wonderful garden and every time I work in it or sit and watch the birds I think of Amy.

Crystal McCormick Ware

June 3, 2008

To my dear friend and colleague: You are truly an angel, you were one on this earth and now you are one in Heaven. I will miss you and love you forever. Love, Crystal

Melissa Dami

June 3, 2008

Danny, Cub and Families
You have my deepest symphathy
on such a great loss, your sister was
one of a kind and I am sure you all are so very proud of her. I did not know her as well as I would have liked to but the the times I have talked to her she was a sweetheart.

Heather Momberger

June 3, 2008

I want to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of Dr. Knapp. It was a joy knowing her and learning from her during my time at ULS and in Library School. She was a wonderful person.

Bettie McEndoo

June 3, 2008

To Amy's family..both blood and 'adopted' May all find
joy in the wonderful memories
of a simply special and terrific
lady. Memories are the gift of
'roses in December' that God
gives.For Amy there are bunches...

A loving Neighbor

June 3, 2008

Knapp Family,

My heart goes out to you in the lost of your loved one.

May the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our pains and sorrow help you endure in this time of such deep sorrow.

“God is near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.”

Showing 1 - 45 of 45 results

Make a Donation
in Amy Knapp's name

Memorial Events
for Amy Knapp

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Amy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Amy Knapp's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more