Robert Knapp

1931 - 2025

Robert Knapp
February 17, 2025
Robert H. Knapp ("Bob"), of Cheshire, CT, formerly of Orange, CT and Jupiter, FL, passed away Monday afternoon on February 17th. He currently resided at Elim Park Retirement Community in Cheshire, CT. Born November 6, 1931, in New Haven, CT. Bob was the devoted husband of the late Virginia Knapp for over 65 years. He was the father of Cynthia Ciukenda (husband Stephen) of Orange, CT and Stephen Knapp (wife Julie) of Milton, GA. He was the beloved grandfather of Peter, William, and Michelle Knapp of Milton, GA. Bob was also brother to Donald Knapp and Meredith Downey and the son of predeceased Henry and Emma Knapp.
Mr. Knapp graduated from Northfield Mount Hermon School in Northfield, MA and Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. He worked more than 30 years with Southern New England Telephone (SNET) most of it as a Business Office Manager of New Haven and Bridgeport offices.
Mr. Knapp was an Army veteran serving in the Far East during the Korean War. He and his wife lived in Orange, CT for 25 years before they moved to Jupiter, FL upon retirement in 1991. After 15 wonderful years there, they moved to Cheshire, CT.
Mr. Knapp was always interested in community affairs even at an early age when he headed New Haven J.C. projects such as The Pops Concerts at Yale Bowl – serving one year as Chairman. He enjoyed over 50 years as a member of Rotary International serving as President of the West Haven Club and District Governor of Rotary District 7980. He was also honored by receiving the prestigious Paul Harris award twice. In addition, he was a member of various town communities, a coach of Little League and Babe Ruth baseball. He and his wife enjoyed traditional jazz music and traveled to jazz festivals throughout the country. In addition, they enjoyed cruising, touring Europe, and exploring the USA from coast to coast.
He was loved by family and friends and will be deeply missed.
A Celebration of Life will be celebrated in Nelson Hall at Elim Park in Cheshire on Saturday, March 29th at 11 a.m. Arrangements are with the Hawley Lincoln Memorial, New Haven.