Marcel J. Kniedler

Dr. Marcel John Kniedler, 92, of Merritt Island, FL passed into the arms of his Lord Jesus Christ on Monday, July 25, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Born to Marcel and Rosalia Kniedler in Carrick, Pittsburgh, PA, Marc served in the U.S. Navy and earned his undergraduate and Master’s degrees in the sciences. He went on to earn a PhD in Nuclear Physics from the University of Maryland in 1968. He spent his career as a renowned nuclear physicist, retiring after 32 years from the Air Force Technical Applications Center at Patrick Air Force Base. Marc was predeceased by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Evelyn, with whom he had 11 children: Armella Norcio (Anthony), Nadine Preftakes (James), Mark Kniedler (Linda), the late Christina Takemoto (Ken), Greg Kniedler (Leslie), Eric Kniedler (Jeanne), Heidi Keaton (Ken), the late Maria Kniedler, Annie Kniedler (Patrick) and two late infants. He and Evie had 21 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Marc is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 20 years, the former Jeanne Cournoyer, adding four children -– Mark (Deb), Holly (Mike), Guy (Kris) and Jody -- and 8 grandchildren, to the happy, blended family. A devout Christian, Marc read the Bible daily and was known for his integrity, his wisdom, and his commitment to family. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 29, 2016 at 3:30 pm at Georgianna Methodist Church, 3925 S. Tropical Trail, Merritt Island, with the Rev. Corky Calhoun presiding. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church for “Tabatha’s House,” its Haiti-based orphanage. Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home on Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, is handling arrangements.