Robert H. Knaack

Robert Knaack was born in Syracuse, New York on September 29th 1929, to the late Herman and Lois Knaack. He was of strong Christian faith, being baptized as a Lutheran. After graduating High School, Bob joined the United States Navy where he served as a Fire Control Technician and sang first tenor in the “Great Lakes Navy Blue Jackets Choir”. He is also a proud Korean War Veteran. After serving in the Navy, Bob worked for Met Life for 22 years, retired and joined the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department in New York from which he is also retired. He was a pillar of the community and continued to serve as a member of The American Legion Post 283, The New York State Sheriff’s Association, Valley Men’s Club and The Southside Business Men’s Club.

Robert met the love of his life and soulmate of 62.5 years, the late Elaine M. Knaack at the Onondaga County Valley Field Days Fair. They raised two children, daughter Michelle E. Knaack and a son, the late Eric R. Knaack. Bob was a proud and loving father, mentor, hero and teacher to his children. Bob and Elaine were avid campers and pulled a 32 ft. trailer up and down the east coast for many years. Upon both their retirements, they moved to Florida where they could enjoy the warmer weather and cookouts all year long.

Bob was kind, generous, caring and a lover of life and he lived it well. After Elaine passed in 2011, Bob saw a program on TV about building shadow boxes and so continued his woodworking passion. Bob loved spending time in his woodworking shop. Over the years he completed and gave away many shadow boxes to family, friends, neighbors and even his Doctors. Each shadow box had a personal message stenciled on the back. He also made beautiful candle sets which he gifted to many.

Bob will be remembered by many as a kind and thankful man. He seldom missed any opportunity to say “thank you” or to invite you over for a cold beer or a shorty.

Robert, Bob, Mr. Bob, Sheriff, Dad, Daddy will be missed sorely by those whose lives he touched. Robert is survived by his daughter Michelle E. Knaack who adored him and took amazing care of him. While his journey on earth is over, he will remain in her heart forever.

A celebration of life to honor Robert Knaack will be at 12 noon on Saturday, June 20th at Fort Caroline Presbyterian Church. The Reverend Dr. David Imhoff, Pastor (Us Army Retired LTC) John Hugus, and the wonderful Pastor John Gallo.

3754 University Club Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32277

A reception will be held at Mr. Knaack’s residence immediately following the church service.

-“Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God” Matthew 5:9

– We can’t change the direction of the wind, but we can adjust the sails to always reach our destination-

RIP Daddy -Fair Winds and Following Seas- …and……..GO ARMY!!!