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David Knapp Obituary
July 29, 2023
David Winthrop Knapp, recently of North Haven and previously longtime resident of Guilford, passed away on July 29, 2023. Predeceased by his father, Donald R. Knapp and his mother, Margaret A. Knapp. David is survived by his daughter, Karen Knapp Parrish of VA, his two stepdaughters, Marilyn Roman of MA and Katherine Hudson of NC, his sister, Patricia Knapp Smith of Omaha, NE, and her children: Martin, Andrew, Jennifer, and Carey. Additionally, David leaves behind four grandchildren and four great-grandsons. All are eternally grateful for the care provided him in his last years by his dedicated caregivers and boating partner.
He was born September 2, 1926 and grew up in Stelton (now Edison), NJ. He received a BA degree in US History from Wesleyan University and a teaching certificate from Rutgers University. He worked as a scout executive for 10 years and then moved on to textbook sales, living in Maplewood, NJ, Setauket, NY, Madison CT, and ultimately settling in Guilford, CT. He was passionate about sailing, the pursuit of knowledge, advocating for those less fortunate, and LGBTQ rights.
A memorial service will be held Monday, August 14th, 10:00 a.m., at the First Congregational Church, 122 Broad St., Guilford. Burial will be held privately at a later date. In honor of his memory, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association, or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St. Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Knapp
Sponsored by NHRegister.com.
Dave
March 2, 2025
great guy, knew him from his love of sailing
Stuart Geller
July 11, 2024
I've just sadly discovered the passing of sweet David and was unaware of it. My condolences to his family. There was never a sweetest man to walk the face of the earth. I will always recall his love of sailing, scouting and freedom of life. May he RIP
Mark Giesler
August 18, 2023
David was the personification of LBGTQ advocacy for me. He fought tirelessly to have his voice heard in the Boy Scouts. His legacy in that work will be long remembered. As a fellow retreatant at Kirkridge, I appreciated his sense of humor, his curiosity, and his general love of whatever life gave him. He will be missed.
Mark Giesler
Patrick Shevlin and Jack Kauderer
August 15, 2023
David would greet us(Patrick and Jack) at Kirkridge with a huge smile and a warm imbrase twice a year on retreat. That loving and caring special voice he had and a big heart always ready to listen. We love you, Patrick and Jack
Dale M. Jenkins
August 15, 2023
Dave was always positive and sporting that winning smile. I met him at Kirkridge Retreat Center and thoroughly enjoyed our time together in each conversation we shared. Dave lived his life to the fullest!
William joughin
August 13, 2023
A likeable and substantial philanthropist who was a great conversationalist when he talked about his quite varied life.
Franceska Judith postemsky
August 4, 2023
I extend my Sympathy to your Family as I just read of David's Passing. He was my Book Sales Representative for many years, always handling the Book Orders for Ryerson School in Madison with his usual kindness, efficiency and helpful manner. I lost touch with David when I retired, however, I remember him with kindness.
With sympathy,
Judy Postemsky
American Heart Association
August 3, 2023
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Stephen Thomas
August 3, 2023
David played a very important role in my life as a mentor for LGBT advocacy. David gave me wonderful advice when I became President of Stonewall Speakers. He was a kind and passionate man. He believed that educating the straight community on LGBT issues was the way we could break down barriers. He was right. I will miss his counsel, his friendship, and has passion for life. Much love to his family. Stephen Thomas
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