Leo R. Knapp Jr.

Leo R. Knapp Jr., 90, of West Chester, PA passed away peacefully on August 8, 2023 surrounded by his family, after a courageous 3-year battle with dementia.

Leo was born to Leo R. Knapp, Sr. and Kathryn Knapp (née LaVelle) on September 10, 1932 in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

He is survived by his wife, Connie Knapp (née Strigari) of 60 years; his five children, LeAnne (Joseph DiGiuseppe), Katherine, Karen (Kenneth Hill), Leo R. Knapp III (Kristine), and Mary (Paul Adolf).  He is survived by his seven grandchildren, Kristina R. DiGiuseppe, Tyler M. Adolf, Sam J. Adolf, Francis T. Jannotta, Zack L. Knapp, Leah N. Jannotta, and Rylan C. Knapp.  Leo is predeceased by his sister, Dorothy Biegert.

Leo was a humble, selfless, and devoted Husband, Father, and Grandfather. He lived his life for his family guided by his strong faith, including his devotion to the rosary. He dearly loved his family and held them close to his heart.

He attended LaSalle Academy high school in New York City and was a proud graduate of Lafayette College in Easton, PA where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering in 1954.  At that time, he was a member of the American Academy of Mechanical Engineers, Project Management Institute, and the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Institute.  He worked for Scott Paper Company until 1989 and continued his engineering career as a contractor until 2011, retiring at the age of 79.

Leo served in the Armed Forces of the United States as U.S. Army Ordnance, First Lieutenant, from 1955 to 1957.  He served as Shop Officer for Heavy Vehicle Equipment Repair, in Verdun, France.  While stationed in Europe, he enjoyed traveling to many countries including France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland.  

Leo’s greatest love was his wife and family. His love for his wife was evident every day and in every interaction. His greatest joy was helping his children and guiding them through life, whether it be maintenance projects, taxes, painting, auto work, and even math homework!  His work ethic and family values were beyond compare, and are a great example to all of his family. 

He treasured his grandchildren and enjoyed being an integral part of their lives and loved attending their sporting events and musical recitals. He cherished our family vacations (especially the Jersey Shore) and celebrating the holidays together, most especially Christmas, which was his favorite.  He loved visits from his family’s pets and playing with them lifted his spirits.  He also loved his friends and treasured them dearly.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing 3:00-5:00 PM Sunday, August 13, 2023 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA and to his Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM Monday, August 14, 2023 at SS. Phillip and James Church, 723 East Lincoln Highway, Exton, PA. Interment SS Peter & Paul Cemetery.

Leo supported St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and donations may be made in his honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, https://www.stjude.org/donate/. To order flowers, please call Matlack Florist: 610-431-3077.