Lawrence Eugene Knapp

Lawrence Eugene Knapp, 77, of Santa Ana, CA, passed away at HOAG Hospital on May 18, 2014. Born in Providence, Rhode Island on September 2, 1936, he is survived by his wife of forty years, Regina Hughes-Knapp of Topeka, Kansas, his brother Theodore Knapp of Warwick, Rhode Island, his twins Christopher Knapp and Jennifer Knapp of Santa Ana, California, and his two grandchildren, Rumi Manleen Kaur and Soren Preet Kaur. Larry grew up in Providence, Rhode Island as the youngest of four siblings. After obtaining his Bachelors in Philosophy from the University of Rochester, and LLB from Blackstone School of Law, and volunteering for the New England Search and Rescue, he joined the Air Force in 1968 and was stationed in Topeka, Kansas where he met his wife. He was then sent to serve in the Viet Nam Theater along the perimeter in the Air Force Base of Nakhon Phanom by the Mekong River. He served there for a year before coming back to Beale AFB in Northern California. His experience of war inspired him to take on a profession of healing hearts, minds, and spirit. He enrolled in Chapman University in Orange, CA to obtain his Masters in Counselling and obtained an MFT license. A gentle man, a fierce love of justice and an unabashed advocate for the poor, he never failed to give back to the community what he could. He was a dedicated father and husband. But what he will be remembered for the most among all family and friends was his quick wit and deep intellect. “Sharp” and “brilliant” were words often used to describe him, yet he remained humble throughout his life. Even in his final weeks, he never failed to express concern for his family and love for his wife Jeannie. The funeral will be held Tuesday, July 15th, at 8:45 am, from the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in the Lady Chapel of Holy Name Church, 99 Camp Street, Providence. Burial, with military honors, will be in Saint Patrick Cemetery, Douglas Avenue, Providence. Visiting hours Monday, July 14th, from 5 – 7 pm. For on-line condolences, visit boyleandsonfuneralhome.com