Richard E. Knapp

Richard Elwood "Dick" Knapp, 96, of Sewickley, passed away peacefully on Aug. 4, 2025.Dick was born and raised in the Bloomfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh, the son of the late C. Elwood and Evelyn Knapp. From a young age, he showed exceptional artistic talent, which was nurtured by a beloved high school teacher. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Carnegie Tech. After a brief time teaching high school art, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Langley Field in Newport News, VA. There, he met the love of his life, Jewel M. Burke, on a blind date. They married six months later and spent the remainder of his service in Hunstanton-by-the-Sea, England, where their first child, Brad, was born. Upon returning home, Dick began a successful career in real estate and homebuilding before transitioning to banking. He rose through the ranks at Friendship Federal Savings and Loan, eventually serving as president, and later retired as chairman of Landmark Savings following a period of industry-wide mergers. In retirement, Dick and Jewel built their dream home on a 10-acre property in Pine Township. Known fondly as "Charter Oak," with its one-acre lake and beautiful grounds, it became the heart of family life and gatherings for decades. Dick experienced a vibrant renaissance in his later years. A devoted member of Orchard Hill Church, he became a warm and familiar face at the doors on Sunday mornings. He also joined the Oxford Athletic Club, where he set weightlifting records in his age group and founded the "Old Farts Club," a group of close-knit friends. He returned to painting with passion, creating beautiful works that he often gifted to family and friends. His art was even exhibited in several local shows. A lifelong fly fisherman, Dick especially enjoyed fishing the Bighorn River in Montana and took great pride in tying his own flies. Dick was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Jewel M. Knapp (nee Burke); his son, Brad Knapp; and his sister, Nancy Roy. He is survived by his children, Lisa L. Lorenzi (Jim), Ken Knapp (Alysia), and Laura Cheryba; grandchildren, Joe, Zack, Alexis, and Rio Knapp, Lauren Quigley (Kevin), Liz Lorenzi (Alex Lum), Casey Knapp (Katie), Melanie Knapp, Roslyn Korai (Naush), Sam Knapp, Adam and Adrian Cheryba; and great-grandchildren, Kai Knapp, Rowen, Calla, Gray, and Esme Quigley, Paxton and Liam Lum, and Phoebe Knapp. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. Visitation will start at 10 a.m., with the celebration starting at 11 a.m. at Orchard Hill Church, 2551 Brandt School Road, Wexford, PA 15090. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate, or the Wounded Warrior Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/. The family extends heartfelt thanks to AHN Hospice at Home and especially to Dick's daughter, Laura Cheryba, whose devoted care over the last 19 months allowed him to remain in the comfort of home. Professional services entrusted to THOMAS M. SMITH FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY LTD., 930 Center Ave., Blawnox, PA, 15238; www.thomasmsmithfuneralhome.com.