Don Knaby, 70, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, February 22nd, 2024 at Harmony of State College following a long battle with frontotemporal dementia.
Don was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lisa. He is survived by his two sons; Matthew Knaby (Cera) and Christopher Knaby (Amy); two daughters, Caroline Scott (Paul) and Olivia Knaby; eight grandchildren, Mason, Jackson, Charlotte, Aiden, Aubrey, William, Desmond, and Oliver; sister, Deborah Mittiga.
Don was born and raised in Enola, PA and attended East Pennsboro High School. He was an avid baseball enthusiast, softball player, and shared his passion for the game with anyone he could. He loved the outdoors and was always in the backyard teaching his kids how to bat lefty (the only way), ride a bike, or dribble a basketball.
He worked at Three Mile Island for 34 years, but always said that when he retired, he wanted to cut grass at a golf course. Unfortunately, his dreams of riding his lawn mower into the sunset ended too soon.
More than anything, Don loved his family. He was devoted to his wife and children and we are grateful he got to be a Pappy to his grandkids. Even as their diseases progressed, Don and Lisa could be found holding hands everywhere they went.
He was unable to speak these last few years, but his lack of words were replaced with a loving smile and horrible dance moves that made us laugh. We pray that one day there will be a cure for frontotemporal dementia. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) or simply make the time to be there for someone you love, as Don was for all of us.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11am on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque Catholic Church, 2800 Paxton Church Rd., Harrisburg. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. A viewing will be held from 6-8pm on Monday, March 4, 2024 at Neill Funeral Home, 3501 Derry St., Harrisburg.
