Donald Peter Knauer

Donald Peter Knauer, age 86, of Whiting passed away on Monday March 2, 2026 at JSUMC, Neptune. Born in Passaic, he lived in Toms River and Forked River, and in his later years he resided in Whiting. Don was a US Army Veteran and long-time volunteer with Pleasant Plains and Forked River Fire Companies. Since 1962, he was Member of the NJ Forest Fire Service, and after 36 years retired as District Fire Warden. Don was also the Deputy Fire Chief when he was employed at Lakehurst Naval Air Station prior to his retirement.

Mr. Knauer was predeceased by his brothers Herbert and Richard. Surviving are his wife of 61 years Dorothy (nee Frazee), his son Scott and his wife Jen, daughters Sandra and her husband Scott, Debbie and her husband Steve, and Michele and her husband Kenny, along with ten grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

A Viewing will be held on Wednesday March 4th, 2026 from 6-9pm, with a Fire Service at 8pm, at Riggs Funeral Home, 130 North Main Street, Forked River and again on Thursday from 10-11am. A graveside service will be held at Good Luck Cemetery, Lanoka Harbor at 11:45am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to by Venmo for a group of fire departments he worked for at Donald Knauer.