John R. Knapek

John R. "Hunzi" Knapek, 87, of Natrona Heights, Harrison, died Tuesday (Oct. 29, 2002) in Highland Center Genesis ElderCare Network, Brackenridge.

He was born Sept. 18, 1915, in Vienna, Austria. Mr. Knapek was a 1934 graduate of Har-Brack High School. A World War II veteran, he served with the Army Air Corps. For 65 years, he was the owner of Knapek Tailor's in Natrona, Harrison, until retiring in 2000. Mr. Knapek was a member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Parish, American Legion and Slovak Hall Association, all in Natrona, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Natrona Heights. An avid sports fan, especially the Steelers, he also enjoyed fishing, playing cards and doing yard work. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Johanna Cambal Knapek; a son, Ronald (Lucy) Knapek of Lower Burrell; a daughter, Mrs. Patricia (Michael) Witte of Alexandria, Va.; a brother, Ernest (Dorothy) Knapek of Beaver; and a sister, Mrs. Lillian (William) Hearn of New Symrna Beach, Fla. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Knapek, and a brother, Robert Knapek. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. today in the CICHOLSKI-ZIDEK FUNERAL HOME INC., 1522 Carlisle St., Natrona Heights, where a blessing service will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Christian Funeral Mass will follow at 10 a.m. in St. Mathias Worship Site, Natrona. Officiating will be his pastor, the Rev. Donald Sotak. Burial will be in Mount Airy Cemetery, Natrona Heights, with full military honors accorded by the Natrona American Legion.