SOUTH NEW BERLIN – Harry E. Knapp, 66, a life long resident of South New Berlin, passed away Friday, March 18, 2011 at the A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta.
Harry was born in Norwich in June of 1944 the son of Herbert R. and Mary (Kearney) Knapp and had lived in the same home his entire life. He attended the South New Berlin Central School where he took part in the sports program playing football and started his working career on the Charlie Wells Farm. Eventually Harry gained employment with the Norwich Shoe Co. where he worked for 27 years before going to work for the Chenango Memorial Hospital as a courier for 15 years, where he retired.
Harry was very community oriented and began his association with the South New Berlin Fire Dept. during his teenage years. Throughout his entire life he remained very active in the department, having served two terms as chief. In 2010 he received a plaque in recognition for his 47 years of dedicated and selfless service to the department.
Harry was an easy going, friendly sort of guy who could interact with anyone and enjoyed the “small talk.”
On Aug. 29, 1972 in Norwich, he married Billie Doane, who survives. Besides his wife, Billie, Harry is survived by his son James Knapp of South New Berlin, his sister Grace Knapp Abatayo of Mililani, Hawaii and his niece Marie Abatayo also of Mililani, Hawaii.
Memorial services for Harry will held at a later date at a time to be announced.
Please consider memorial contributions to the South New Berlin Fire Dept., or the South New Berlin Emergency Squad, South New Berlin, NY 13843.
Arrangements are with the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.