ADAMS CENTER, NY — John Edward Knapp, 80, longtime resident and owner of the Knapp Hardware Store in Adams Center, died Friday evening, July 6, 2018, at Samaritan Summit Village, Watertown, after being transported from Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown, NY.
Calling hours will be 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Piddock Funeral Home, Adams. His funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with Rev. Cathy Hamilton officiating. Burial will follow in the Union Cemetery, Adams Center.
Born Dec. 16, 1937, in Washington D.C., son of Ralph H. and Edna P. (Ogden) Knapp. Following graduation from Adams Center High School in 1956, he worked at the Adams Phone Company briefly, then at Agway in Watertown and Pulaski delivering fuel for several years. He moved to Adams Center in 1963, where he joined his father at the Knapp Hardware Store. Following his father’s retirement in 1975, he became the sole proprietor. John continued to work at the store until his passing.
During his senior year of high school, he joined the U.S. Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1963.
He married Mary Lou Newton of Barnes Corners on June 9, 1962 in the Baptist Church, Adams Center. The couple spent their entire married life in Adams Center.
John was the Adams Town Clerk from 1975 to 2018.
When they weren’t at the store, he and Mary Lou enjoyed spending time at their camp in Barnes Corners. He played softball and baseball for many years, and was a coach for Little League. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, cross country skiing. John was a former member of the Adams Center Fire Department, and a member of the Adams Center Fire Department Benevolent Association.
Surviving besides his wife Mary Lou, are a son, Brian S. Knapp, Henderson, and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a son, Eric J. Knapp, who died in 1994, and a brother Fred Knapp.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Union Cemetery, c/o Candy Gilbert, 8 Nobel Shore Rd, Redfield, NY 13437.
Condolences may be made at www.piddockfuneralhome.com.
