Rev. Dr. Harold L. "Sammy" Knappenberger Jr.

The Rev. Dr. Harold L. “Sammy” Knappenberger Jr., 93 of Washington, died Sunday-September 2, 2018 in the Washington Hospital following a brief illness.  He was born March 14, 1925 in Warren, PA the son of the late Harold L. and Ruth Rosebud Smith Knappenberger Sr.  Rev. Knappenberger graduated from Warren High School, received a B.A. from Allegheny College, a Masters of Divinity from Drew University and a Doctorate of Divinity from Allegheny College.  He served 67 years of continuous service as a United Methodist Minister throughout Western Pennsylvania, most recently and locally at the First United Methodist Church, Washington, at the First United Methodist Church, Houston, PA and at John Wesley United Methodist Church, Washington.

Rev. Knappenberger was a former member of the Washington Rotary Club and the Washington Kiwanis Club.  He was an active member of the Washington Branch of the N.A.A.C.P. where he received the Human Rights Award.  Rev. Knappenberger was also active in the Highland-Ridge Redevelopment Project. 

Rev. Knappenberger was a member of Washington Lodge No. 164 F.& A.M. where he served as Worshipful Master in 1991.  He was a member of many other local Masonic Bodies and held many state-wide Masonic positions.  Rev. Knappenberger had the honor of being coroneted a Thirty Third Degree Mason, Honorary Member of Supreme Council.  He appreciated the privileges and opportunities for service that Freemasonry had given him.  He received much more than he could ever have given in return.  Rev. Knappenberger did what he could for as long as he could.  It was a privilege for him to know that he was part of something that was eternally worthwhile.

Rev. Knappenberger enjoyed all kinds of music, singing and playing the trumpet.  He loved to garden and to travel.  Rev. Knappenberger liked interacting with people and learning from them.  He was a kind and gentle soul and will be dearly missed. 

On July 19, 1992 he married Elsie May Easter who survives.  The couple had recently celebrated 26 years of marriage.  Also surviving are three daughters; Gloria (Chuck) Oberkehr of New Holland, PA, Angela (Ed Mlakar) Knappenberger of Carlsbad, California and Lucinda (John) Hughes of San Diego, a son; Harold L. Knappenberger III of Windber, PA, a brother; Lyston (Marilyn) Knappenberger of Westfield, New York, 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 4 step-children, 8 step-grandchildren and 9 step-great-grandchildren.

Friends will be received on Saturday-September 8, 2018 from 2 - 4 and 6 - 9 P.M. in the Warco-Falvo Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson at East Katherine Ave. Washington, S. Timothy Warco, Supervisor/Director, Susan Falvo Warco, Director, S. Timothy Warco II, Director.  Additional visitation will be held on Sunday-September 9, 2018 from 2:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. the hour of a funeral service in the First United Methodist Church, 213 E. Pike St. Houston, PA 15342.  The Rev. Brenda Walker will officiate. Interment will be private. Those wishing to attend the funeral service are asked to go directly to the church on Sunday.  Washington Lodge No. 164 F.&A.M. will render a Masonic Service at 7:30 P.M. on Saturday in the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Washington-Greene County Blind Association at 566 E. Maiden St. Washington PA 15301 or at www.wgcba.org.  Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com