Grant Alexander Knippa

Grant Alexander Knippa, age 21, passed away December 4, 2020, in Boston, Massachusetts. Rolling Oaks Funeral Home in Coppell, Texas, will host visitation from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on December 11, 2020. Grant’s memorial service will be held at Valley Ranch Baptist Church, Coppell, at 10:00 a.m. on December 12 (with attendance limits due to Covid-19 restrictions).

Grant Knippa, affectionately known to his family as Grantie, was born September 11, 1999, in Dallas, Texas. He grew up in Coppell, Texas, and attended all twelve grades there, graduating from Coppell High School in 2018. From an early age Grant loved participating in sports of all kinds – from ice hockey and cross country to a long winning streak with the CHS ultimate frisbee team.

During his time in Coppell Grant attended Valley Ranch Baptist Church, where he grew in his faith and developed lifelong friends. Grant loved Jesus and gave his life to Christ at the age of eight at Rockin’ C Ranch where his father Tom, a camp counselor, had the honor of praying with Grant on that special day.

Grant was a devoted, talented, and passionate trumpeter, earning top spots in the All-City, All-Region, All-Area, All-Orchestra, and All-State bands. He was a member of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra for two years and attended the Summer Program at the world-renowned Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. His experience at Interlochen solidified his desire to pursue music performance professionally.

After graduating from CHS, Grant attended the New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) in Boston, Massachusetts. Over the years, he was instructed by some of the world’s foremost performers by whom he was greatly admired, and Grant greatly admired them as well. Grant immediately fell in love with Boston, its history, food, and people. He became an avid fan of the home teams, celebrating the champion Red Sox, Patriots, and Bruins with his city at Boston Common.

Grant strived for excellence in everything he did, both inside and outside of school. His love for music and performing, matched equally by his devotion to family and friends, will never be forgotten.

Grant is survived by his parents Tom and Denise Knippa, big brother Brady, Grandma Judith Greenwald, three aunts – Cheryl Smiley (husband Mike), Robin Beach (husband James), and Shari Bower, three uncles – Terry Knippa, John Knippa (wife Sara), and Matthew Knippa (wife Brandi), and cousins Deanna Sivik (husband Scott), Chris Smiley (wife Sarah), Sara Southerland (husband Aaron), Ryan Knippa (wife Heather), Michaela Beach, Anna Beach, Caleb Beach, Samuel Beach, Savannah Knippa, Wyatt Knippa,

Leslea Miller (husband Brad), and Hollie Frazier (husband Troy).

A memorial service to celebrate Grant’s life will be held at Valley Ranch Baptist Church in Coppell, Texas, at 10:00 a.m. on December 12, 2020, officiated by Dr. Larry Parsley. Pallbearers will include Brady Knippa, Noah Bianchetta, Alex Daiker, Bryce Quonoey, Ishan Vengurlekar, Ryan Knippa, Caleb Beach, Samuel Beach, and Wyatt Knippa. A graveside service will follow at noon at Rolling Oaks Memorial Center in Coppell, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Grant’s honor may be directed to: The Grant Knippa Memorial Fund at New England Conservatory, Attn. Kathleen Kelly, 290 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 or https://necmusic.edu/give

Tom, Denise, and Brady wish to thank all family and friends who have supported them during these difficult days – with a special thank you to Grant’s good friend Noah Bianchetta, to whom they owe a debt of gratitude.