Ralph E. Knapp

Ralph Eric Knapp, 74, of Waterbury, passed on August 17, 2022 in Delray, Florida. Born in Brooklyn, NY, to Theodore and Sylvia Knapp, Ralph spent his formative years in the Northeast, and earned a certificate in Photography at Paier Art school in Hamden, CT before continuing on to earn a degree in Education from University of Minnesota (Minneapolis). He married Mavis (Greene) in Duluth, MN, and soon began building both his career and his family back in Waterbury, Connecticut, starting out by managing the photo department at Caldors. Eventually earning a Master's degree in Education from Southern Connecticut University in New Haven and completing his sixth year certificate with Central Connecticut University, he enjoyed 32 years of teaching Graphic Arts at Wallace Middle School. There, he was able to pass along his love of photography, graphic design, and the printing press to his students as well as his children. Ralph was a beloved coach of the Crosby High School Girls Swim Team; after coaching, Ralph continued to work as a referee and judge for the CT Interscholastic Athletic Conference for over 30 years. Ralph was an avid hobby enthusiast; he loved collecting model trains and bulding inticate sets. He was a loyal Amtrak and New Haven line customer, and always wore his train swag when riding the rails himself, which was his preferred form of travel. He also enjoyed building RC planes with his son, but unlike the trains, he did not enjoy the real thing! He loved cheering for the UCONN Huskies, the Mets, the Giants; he adored music (especially Fleetwood Mac), camping with his family, always found and acquired the latest electronic gadget, and could not turn down a delicious Turkey & Provalone sandwich from Costco. Later in his life, Ralph enjoyed the lifestyle of a "snowbird," and spent much of his time in Florida, where he met his partner of the past eight years. Together, they enjoyed time at the beach, going to the movies, driving the A1A, and riding the Jungle Queen on the Inter-coastal. More than any hobby, he invested most of his time and energy in parenting. He is survived by his children, David A. Knapp (Katie) and Stacey B. Rudnick (Larry); his three grandchildren, Abigail and Bryan Rudnick and Millie Knapp; and his loving partner, Rona Yuter. Ralph wore his immense pride for his family on his sleeve-literally, often sporting shirts with images of his grandchildren. He instilled in his children a love and a legacy of learning, music, and artistry, and delighted in seeing these things come alive in his children, their spouses, and his grandchildren. Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, Theodore (Ted), a survivor originally from Austria, and Sylvia Knapp (Newman), and his brother, Bryan L. Knapp. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm on Wednesday September 14th at the Temple Beth Shalom in Hamden, with dinner to follow at Eli's on Whitney (Hamden, CT). All are welcome to join us in the celebration of Ralph's life.