John was born on March 28, 1936 in Syracuse, NY to Albert Stanley Ward Knapp and Agnes Elizabeth (Cocks) Knapp. He graduated from Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park, NY, studied at Ohio Wesleyan University and earned a B.A. in History from Duke University in 1958. He graduated from the Medical College of Virginia, VCU with a B.S. in Pharmacy in 1966.
He served as an officer in the United States Navy, and while stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where he met his wife, Maria, also a Naval officer.
John dedicated over 50 years of his life working as a pharmacist at Shenandoah Memorial Hospital in Woodstock, King’s Daughter’s Hospital in Staunton and retired in 1995 as Director of Pharmacy at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center in Fishersville. After retirement, he volunteered for many years as a pharmacist at the Augusta Regional Clinic in Fishersville.
He was a devoted member of Main Street United Methodist Church and a long-time member of the Waynesboro Kiwanis Club, where he served as President and Treasurer.
He was an exceptionally loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to all; loving to spend his time with family and friends. He had a passion for traveling, gardening, family time at the beach, and he was an avid fan of Duke University athletics.
He is survived by his wife, of 56 years, Maria L. Knapp; daughter, Ana Maria Knapp and husband, Michael Conrad of Fredericksburg; son, John A. Knapp and wife, Angie of Shelby, NC, and grandchildren, Reagan Knapp and John Michael Knapp. He is also survived by his brother, Albert Sheldon Knapp and wife, Jean of Mechanicsville and many nieces, nephews and cousins that he loved and adored. He will be deeply missed by his family, extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Main Street United Methodist Church in Waynesboro, conducted by the Rev. Linda Kusse-Wolfe. Following the service, the family will visit with family and friends at a reception in the church Fellowship Hall.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Summit Square for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John's name to the Memory Care Addition, c/o Summit Square, 501 Oak Avenue, Waynesboro, VA 22980.
Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com.
