Jerome Lawrence Knittle

Jerome Lawrence “Jerry” Knittle passed away on January 21, 2022 at the age of 97. Born November 16, 1924 in Grand Rapids, MI to Lawrence Knittle and Louise Busch Knittle, Jerry grew up in Washington, D.C. and was a member of the St. John’s College Class of 1942. After serving in the Army during WWII, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. Jerry started his career in government service working for the Federal Power Commission, which was brought into the Department of Energy as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. He retired in 1979 and often joked that he had been retired more years than he had worked! Jerry was the proud father of Christine Knittle Willis (Edward), John Knittle (Geraldine), Joseph Knittle, James Knittle (Elizabeth), Patrick Knittle (Ingrid), Paul Knittle (Kelly), and Mariam Knittle Virag. He was grandfather to Claire Willis, Jeremy Willis, Diana Dolan-Beulah (Mike), Amanda Knittle (Janine), Sean Knittle, Andrew Knittle, Lindsay Knittle, Sophie Knittle, Maggie Knittle, Caleb Knittle, Isaac Knittle, Meghan Knittle, Charlie Virag, Ben Virag, and Abby Virag. He was great-grandfather to Cameron Beulah and Lexi Knittle. Jerry is also survived by his only sister Jeanne Knittle Hasty, his sister-in-law, Jeanne Baker Rossomondo, brother-in-law, Herb Baker, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his lovely bride of 55 years, Dolores Baker Knittle, Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers-in-law, Richard Hasty, Frank Baker & Frank Rossomondo, his sister-in-law, Jeanne Martin Baker, and his son-in-law, Dean Virag. Jerry was a devout Catholic who sincerely believed in the right to life and the dignity of the human person. There wasn’t anything he wouldn't do for his family, his church, or to help another human being. He was a long-time member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Groveton, VA, where he volunteered his time at a variety of church functions, serving as President of the Men’s Council, President of the Home and School League, being a lector, usher and lay minister, even selling Christmas trees. He was a 100% devoted Dad, supporting his kids in their activities and sports events, including coaching for the church Little League. Jerry believed in Catholic education and was a supporter of both St. Louis Catholic School and Bishop Ireton Catholic High School in Alexandria from their beginnings. He made sure that all of his children attended and graduated from Catholic schools. After he retired, Jerry was active in the Mount Vernon Council of the Knights of Columbus. He learned to play golf and played regularly with the local senior league. He drove for the Meals on Wheels program and was a volunteer for the church transportation committee. After his wife’s death, Jerry moved to Culpeper to be near his daughters. He joined Precious Blood Catholic Church, became a member of the John J. Cempre Council of the Knights of Columbus, and was an avid supporter of Epiphany Catholic School. Weather and health permitting, he drove himself to daily Mass every morning and followed that with a visit to pray at his wife’s grave. If the opportunity arose while visiting the cemetery, he made a point to introduce himself to his future neighbors. He knew the power of humor as both a calming and uplifting force. Jerry enjoyed playing golf and played several days at Bryce Resort the week of his 97th birthday. He enjoyed dancing, an ice cold Rolling Rock, and body surfing in the ocean while at the family beach house in Nags Head, NC. A member of the Scions of the 17th Airborne Division, Jerry loved his country and attended reunions with his Army buddies whenever he could. In character and in the way he lived his life, Jerry was an example of everything a person should strive to be. The family will receive friends at Clore-English Funeral Home, 11190 James Monroe Highway, Culpeper, VA, Sunday, January 30, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 8 p.m. Opening prayers and rosary service will begin the afternoon session. A wake service will take place at the end of the evening session. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, January 31, 2022 at Precious Blood Catholic Church, 114 E. Edmondson Street, Culpeper, VA at 10:30 a.m. with Father Robert Cilinski officiating. Interment will follow services in the Culpeper National Cemetery, Old Grounds with military honors provided by the VFW post 2524. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Epiphany Catholic School (https://www.epiphanycatholicschool.org/support-epiphany), Hospice of the Piedmont (https://www.hopva.org/giving/) or any charity close to your heart. Fond memories of Jerry and condolences may be offered to the Knittle family through www.clore-english.com. The Knittle family has entrusted Clore-English Funeral Home with these arrangements.