Richard James Knauer Jr.

On August 25, 2024, Richard James Knauer, Jr. passed away peacefully. He was the beloved husband of Susan Wright Knauer of Muskegon, MI, and is also survived by Mary Louise Bittner Knauer, his former wife and mother of his children; devoted father of Paige Vance and her husband Rob, Heather K. Kastanaras and her husband Jimmy, and James Knauer and his wife Megan; and stepfather of Lisa DeWeerd, and Wendy Burchell and her husband Tim, and; cherished grandfather of Kamryn Burchell, Kyle Burchell, Timothy K. Kastanaras, Brendan G. Kastanaras, Brody Knauer; and loving brother of Barbara K. Juskus.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Richard James Knauer, Sr., and Margaret B. Knauer; his dear brother, David Knauer, and beloved grandson, Ernie B. Vance. He is also survived by several loving nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Rick spent his childhood and school days in Parkville, MD, attending St. Ursula School and Divine Word Seminary in Bordentown, NJ. He received a BA in Political Science from Loyola College Maryland and an MA from Towson University. Upon graduation, he began his military career in Loyola's ROTC program, holding various command and staff positions in Europe, Vietnam, and the Continental United States. He returned to the Baltimore area and held many positions in the Maryland Army National Guard, including Assistant Chief of Staff. During this time, he proudly became a graduate of the Army War College in Carlisle, PA. He retired from active service as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1995, later was brevetted to Colonel (MD), and devoted the rest of his working days to the Maryland National Guard Freestate ChalleNGe Academy at Aberdeen Proving Ground working with at-risk youth.
Colonel Knauer's numerous decorations include the Legion of Merit, The Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal, and State of Maryland Distinguished Service Cross Medal.
He was an FAA licensed pilot and member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
After retirement, he enjoyed watching his grandsons in their baseball games and spent time at the racetracks as an owner of thoroughbred horses.
Family and friends will honor and celebrate Richard's life at the Evans Life Celebration Home, 8800 Harford Road, Parkville, MD on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 9:30 A.M. at St Ursula's Catholic Church. Interment Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery.
If desired, in lieu of flowers, a charitable contribution may be made to the Military Family Resource Fund Mid-Atlantic, P.O. Box 16600, Essex, MD. 21221.
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