David R. Knecht Sr.

David R. Knecht, Sr., age 96 of Fall River formerly of Somerset passed away on July 1, 2013. He was the husband of Barbara (Worton) Knecht and the former husband of the late Barbara (Tomlinson) Knecht, mother of his children.

Born in New Haven, CT on October 25, 1916, a son of the late John E. and Marguerite (Erbsen) Knecht, he resided in Somerset for 50 years. He was a graduate of Hillhouse High School in New Haven, Class of 1935, Mount Hermon School in Northfield, MA, 1936, received his Bachelors Degree from Springfield College in 1940, Master’s in Education from Bridgewater State College, 1956 and thirty hours beyond the Masters from the University of Connecticut at Storrs in Audio-Visual Administration in 1960. He also took post-graduate courses at the University of New Hampshire at Durham and Florida University at Gainesville.

A United States Army Veteran Staff Sergeant, he served during World War II as a Medic in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater and with Special Services in the Army of Occupation in Japan. He was instrumental in preparing for the opening of the U.S.O. ”Ernie Pyle” Theater in Tokyo, Japan and was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, American Theater Philippine Liberation, Victory and Good Conduct Medals.

Before and after serving his country he worked as a Biology and Chemistry Teacher and coached all the sports at Penacook NH High School from 1941-1950, and from 1952-1971 he taught Biology and Chemistry at Somerset, MA High School. In 1972, he was appointed Audio-Visual Director for the Somerset School District and retired in 1977. The Class of 1957 dedicated their class yearbook to him and he was inducted into the Somerset High Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999, along with his “buddy” the late Leo F. Driscoll. For many years, Mr. Knecht and Mr. Driscoll filmed hundreds of Somerset High School sporting events – primarily football, basketball and ice hockey and some baseball and girls field hockey.

Mr. Knecht was a member of the Masonic Horace Chase Lodge # 52 of Penacook, NH, receiving his 50 year Medal in 1999. He was also a member of the Bethleham Chapter # 151 Order of Eastern Star in Somerset. He was a Life Member of Disabled American Veterans Association (DAV) and the American Veterans Association (Amvets). He was Past Vice President of Somerset High PTA and Past President of “Triangle Squares” Square Dance Club of Fall River. Mr. Knecht was a member of the Somerset Congregational Christian Church of Somerset. He enjoyed playing, coaching, and being a spectator at most sports. He was a coin collector and a model train enthusiast.

Surviving in addition to his wife: three sons: William J. Knecht of New Orleans, LA, David R. Knecht, Jr. and his wife Diane of Hampden, MA and Bruce T. Knecht of New Bedford, MA and Brandenton, FL, two granddaughters: Jennifer and Rebecca, one grandson: Stephen and many nieces and nephews. He was also brother of the late Adele K. Sullivan and John E. Knecht, Jr.

His Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at 2 PM in Adams House, 1168 Highland Ave. Fall River. His family will receive friends from 1:30 – 2 PM Prior to his service. Burial is private. Arrangements in the care of Waring-Sullivan Homes of Memorial Tribute, Somerset.