Daniel E. Knowles

Daniel E. Knowles passed away peacefully on January 22, 2021. He was born October 4, 1929 in Brooklyn, NY. He graduated from St. Augustine Diocesan High School and St. John's University College in 1951. With his degree in Psychology, he joined the US Army and spent the Korean War as a personnel psychologist in Toledo, OH. Later, he obtained a graduate degree from Hofstra University and graduated from the Harvard University Advanced Management Program. He spent the majority of his career with Grumman Aerospace Corp, retiring as Vice President of Personnel and Administration. In addition, he was also an adjunct professor at the New York College of Technology for ten years teaching courses in personnel management and labor relations.

His interest in people and work-life issues led him to activity with many non-profits. He spent twenty years as the Chairman of the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. He also served twenty-nine years on the Board of Guest House, a rehabilitation facility for alcoholic clergy and religious. Following-up on his interest in the issues of middle age and older workers, he served ten years on the National Council on Aging and testified many times to federal and state legislative committees. He also served on the Boards of Children's House on Long Island and Human Resources, Inc.; a not-for-profit organization employing mentally challenged individuals.

Upon retirement from Grumman, he founded the Cambridge Human Relations Consulting Group. He served on the Board of Directors for the Commonwealth Telephone Enterprise Company in Dallas, PA while continuing his work with several non-profits. Grumman always remained an important part of his life and he most recently served as the president of the Stuart, FL chapter of the Grumman Retiree Club.

He is survived by his wife and friend, Barbara; sisters Pat, Kathy and Mary and brother Jim; four children, Kevin (Rosellen), Brian (Cathy), Eileen (Peter) and Debra (Joe); nine grandchildren, Adam (Elaina), Ricky (Megan), Colleen, Gregory (Allison), Kristen (Sam), Bryce (Rachael), Joey, Meaghan and Connor and five great-grandchildren, Brynn, Jules, Leo, Sienna, and Bella.

Born a Catholic, he lived as a Catholic. A mass of Resurrection will be held on February 23, 2021 at 10:00 am at Holy Redeemer RC Church in Palm City, FL. Memorial services will be held in Palm City, FL and Long Island, NY in the future when it is safe to gather again. Christ, Family, Friends and Grumman were his order of priorities. In lieu of flowers, if inclined, please make a contribution to Guest House, 1601 Joslyn Rd., Lake Orion, MI 48360.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by TC Palm from Jan. 27 to Jan. 31, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Knowles

15 Entries

Kathy

January 21, 2025

Dan, You will always be remembered with love and prayers

Norm Reinertsen

January 21, 2024

A great friend we all miss he smiles and his wisdom Norm Reinertsen

Jack Brady

November 28, 2023

I worked for Dan from June 2nd of 1975 until September 30th of 1981.

He was my boss's boss's, boss's boss.

Although he bore the weight of responsibility as head of Human Resources at Grumman Aerospace, he always found time for each of us.

He would take me to lunch at least once a year and would always give me the greatest good counsel for my life and career.

I had the great good fortune of being promoted into Employee Relations at Grumman.

Dan took me out to lunch to congratulate me and I asked him what he expected of me.

He grasped both of my hands at the table with his own huge and powerful hands and he said to me:

" Brady, we make US Naval fighter planes. I want to see your afterburners on. I want to see flames coming out of your behind.
I expect you to work your heart out on this great opportunity that's being given to you."

My knees were shaking under the table.

It is probably the most riveting advice I have ever been given in my life.

Dan was one of the most wonderful people I have ever known.

Since the beginning of time, there have only been six times when man has walked upon the surface of the Moon. All six times we got there in a spaceship built right here on Long Island by Grumman Aerospace.

It was because of the spirit of people like Dan Knowles that we have managed to do this 50 years ago. Nobody has done it since.

With love and affection, I offer my heartfelt condolences to Dan's family and friends.

Jack Brady

Norm Reinertsen

January 21, 2023

A good friend a great man
Norm Reinertsen

Fiona Brady

October 4, 2022

Dear Knowles Family, I only today learned of Dan's passing after trying to call and wish him a happy 93rd birthday. "Danny" Knowles as we grew up hearing of him, was my dad's close friend on East 19th St. in Sheepshead Bay. He and my dad, Jim Brady, spoke every year on their birthdays through to my dad's last in 2008. Danny came into Manhattan for Daddy's 80th celebration, bringing along a wonderfully arch Irish blessing on a wooden plaque. Years earlier, Danny enlarged a superb photo of the two boys (Jimmy and Danny, probably from 1937 or so) that my dad loved. Both treasures now hang in my home and the two adorable ragamuffins greet me every time I walk in the door. We Bradys send our love and hope and fond memories to all you Knowlses.

Sal DeLuca

February 18, 2021

My sincere condolences to Barbara and family was a great guy he will be missed.

Randy Weiss

February 5, 2021

Sending condolences to Barbara & Family ... Danny will be forever remembered as a wonderful guy ... so glad to have re-connected with him just a few weeks ago ... RIP, Danny

Anne Kelly Leone

February 4, 2021

My dad, Leo Kelly, worked for/with Dan at Grumman for many years.....I have fond memories of Mr. Knowles and on behalf of the Kelly family send condolences to the Knowles family.

Randolph Sablich

February 3, 2021

I knew Daniel when I worked at Grumman. A solid citizen, always with kind advice, delivered with a smile. He will be missed.

Dick and Sally Petrusa

February 2, 2021

Rest In Peace Dan.
Spoke to you about 2 1/2 weeks ago. Didn´t think it would be the last time.
There was always a special place in Heaven for you because of all the good things you did for so many people.
A life well lived!!!

Grace Gaita

February 1, 2021

So sorry for the loss of a great leader. I worked for Dan in H R for Grumman. Dan ran a luncheon in Bethpage every year for H R retirees I looked forward to that he will be missed

Norman Reinertsen

February 1, 2021

My sincere condolences to a great friend and super human being
Norm

Tom Bozzo

February 1, 2021

Uncle Danny always seemed calm, confident and content to me - a great way to live. He knew what he believed in and could express it well. We had a handful of great conversations over the years at family reunions with he left me with some words of wisdom that I have always remembered. I am glad he lived a full and rich life until the end and he will be missed.

Jake Bussolini

January 29, 2021

If there is a heaven, Dan is there for sure. He was the most devote person I ever met, never once in his life doubting his religion. He never had a bad thing to say about another human and truly lived his life to offer help to any one in need. All Grumman employees benefited from his hard work in their behalf. Rest in peace my friend.

Kathleen Bozzo

January 29, 2021

Dan as my older brother you were a good example of faith and leadership. I enjoyed our family time together and our telephone conversations. The family concurs that our family reunions are important and we will continue them remembering you with love in our hearts. May the angels carry you to your eternal rest.

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