David Carl Kniess

11/2/1942 - 9/23/2023

David Carl Kniess "Lu Lu", 80, formerly of Wallingford, CT and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, died peacefully in his sleep on September 23, 2023, after a long illness. Born on November 2, 1942, David was the son of the late Carl Joseph Kniess and Vina (Stauffer) Kniess of Harmony, Pennsylvania. He is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Natalie Burke, 3 sons, David C. Kniess, Jr., of Salt Lake City, UT, Kenneth Todd Kniess of Santa Rosa, CA, Carl Brian Kniess of Wallingford, CT, 4 grandchildren; Aislynn, Adeline, Aidan, Auggie, daughter in-laws Erica, Trish, Annie and his beloved dog, Savannah "The Baby". Dave graduated from North Hills High School in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1960 and attended Valley Forge Military Academy and College, graduating in 1963. Dave then attended the Culinary Institute of America and graduated in 1966. Dave started his food service career at Duquesne University, working in the student dining hall. He then went on to work for the Elliott Company in Pittsburgh, as a corporate chef. In 1974, Dave moved his family from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Wallingford, Connecticut, where he continued to work in the food service industry for many years. In 1980, he decided to forge his own path and founded Kniess' Gourmet Catering in Wallingford, which became the exclusive caterer at Bill Miller's Castle in Branford, Connecticut. Kniess' Gourmet Catering also became the exclusive caterer for the Governor's Foot Guard of Connecticut and served the Connecticut area for more than 25 years. Dave was an avid sports fan and was actively involved in his son's youth sports programs in Wallingford and coached his boys for many years. He also loved to play softball and continued playing well into his 60s. Hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dave was a life-long Pittsburgh Steelers fan, something he passed on to his sons who carry on the tradition. In his last remaining days, he was able to watch one last Steelers game with his sons, as they beat the Browns. Dave enjoyed spending time with his family, watching football, and traveling with his wife Natalie. He was a man who taught us a great deal about life, work ethic, and was always there to give us advice on whatever life threw at us. We love you dad... the memories we shared will live on forever. A very special thank you to Connecticut Hospice staff for taking such good care of Dave. We are eternally grateful.

The visiting hours will be on Friday, September 29th from 10:30 am to 12:30 in The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. A service will be conducted in the funeral home at 12:30pm. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405 and/or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1640, Hagerstown, MD 21741. www.northhavenfuneral.com