OBITUARY
Frank F. Knippenberg
April 19, 1945 – January 10, 2021
Frank Fredrick Knippenberg
It is with deep sadness that the Knippenberg family announces the death of Frank F. Knippenberg, who passed away on January 10, 2021, at the age of 75.
Frank was born to the late Frank I. and Emma (Waleson) Knippenberg, April 19, 1945, in The Hague, Netherlands. In 1957, he and his family emigrated to Massachusetts and settled in Dorchester.
He earned his associates degree in electrical engineering technology from Wentworth Institute of Technology and a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Northeastern University. He went on to earn a master’s degree in engineering and industrial management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He dedicated his career as an electrical engineer to NStar for 29 years. For the last seven years, he worked as a site construction manager for Power Constructors.
Frank coached the Brockton Bantam A All Stars for 15 years. Not only was he a coach but a mentor and friend to his hockey players. He was also a referee for high school hockey for nearly 15 years. Frank was an upstanding member of his local community. He often volunteered at town events and served as a member of the Sandwich School Committee. Frank could always be spotted on the sideline of his children’s sporting events, he was their biggest fan. Frank loved relaxing on the beach, taking family ski trips and spending quality time with his grandchildren.
In addition to being predeceased by his parents, he was also predeceased by his wife, Joyce (Hooper) Knippenberg, and his brother, Peter Knippenberg. Frank is survived by his four children, Frank H. Knippenberg of South Boston, Kevin M. Knippenberg and wife Julie of Duxbury, Sara A. Simmons and her husband Kent of Colorado, Amy E. Knippenberg of Brewster; and grandchildren, Kegan Knippenberg, Anthony Phillips, Benjamin and Molly Knippenberg. He is also survived by his sister Helene Illston of Dennis, MA and brother Kenneth Knippenberg of Taunton, MA.
It was Frank’s wish that any memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to the Boys and Girls Club of Cape Cod.
A memorial visitation with the family will be held Monday, January 18th, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home located at 154 Route 6A in Sandwich. A funeral service will be held at Corpus Christi Parish on Tuesday January 19th at 11 am. Burial is private. Due to COVID-19 please wear your mask, and follow all social distancing guidelines.
Services
PREVIOUS SERVICES:
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Visiting Hours
Monday, January 18, 2021
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Mass of Christian Burial
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
OTHER SERVICES:
Burial is private
Memories
Frank F. Knippenberg
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYAnn Sennott
January 18, 2021
To Frank's family:
Your Dad was a great man. I worked with him for many, many years at N-star; he was a smart man who taught me a lot. He had a work ethic that was above reproach; his door was always open and if there was a problem or issue - he found a solution. He was tireless, kind, knowledgeable, a joy to work for, always helpful to others - a truly dedicated employee.
He LOVED his family and was devoted to your Mom, you kids and the grand kids. He talked about you all & showed the photos proudly!
Your Dad was one of the nicest people I ever knew and the best boss I ever had. May your wonderful memories bring you comfort now and in the days to come. My deepest sympathies to you all. May Frank rest in peace.
Laura Dunn
January 17, 2021
Dear Kegan,
I am so sorry to hear the sad news about your beloved grandfather. You will be hearing many people say what a wonderful man he was. He was such a hard worker and generous with his time to help others. But I know that more than anything else he and your grandmother absolutely adored you. I hope that knowing that along with all of your happy memories will be a comfort you. My condolences to your entire family.
Love,
Mrs. Dunn
Donna Baptista
January 16, 2021
My condolences to his family.
Frank was a wonderful man & a great boss. He was very knowledgeable & always willing to help.
He will be missed by many.
May he Rest In Peace
Donna B
Donna Tuohy
January 14, 2021
To the Knippenberg Family, So sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. He was dedicated to the children of Sandwich.. from being a member of the school committee to the athletic fields. He will be missed. I enjoyed seeing him at the grocery store and hearing stories about his family, especially the grandchildren. With deepest condolences, Donna and Hank Tuohy
Leo DeMarsh
January 14, 2021
My Bantam and High School hockey line mate Billy Kennedy called me yesterday to tell me of Frank's passing.
I send my prayers to him and his family.
My father and Frank coached the 1968-69 Bantam A's to a championship season!
Remembered playing those games at Ridge Arena in Braintree.
I also remember a time when Billy, Mike McDonald and I, with Frank spent a pre-summer weekend at our cottage in Manomet with Frank's new boat- which he garaged at the rink in Brockton.
May you rest in peace my friend, and thanks for some great memories.
Leo DeMarsh/Plymouth
Bob Patenaude
January 14, 2021
I only knew the work ethic side of Frank but he was always a gentleman, eager to help or explain things in detail when the project teams needed guidance, which included myself many times . He was a Pleasure to work with and will be missed as a friend and co-worker, but now he’s off to bigger and better things!
God Bless you Frank!
Jack Buckley
January 14, 2021
I had the honor of being one of Frank’s youth hockey players. Pizza with the coach was a sacred tradition, and he taught several of us to drive. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way- at the expense of Frank’s car- that I shouldn’t try to park his car by myself (at age 15, maybe 15.5!) Bang! Hit the only other car in the lot! Frank was so kind and forgiving (my parents less so who had to foot the bill.) Frank was special to the Brockton hockey players, especially classes of ‘75 (mine) and ‘76. Though I lost touch over the years, I’ve never lost the memories of playing for Frank, the fun we had, the victories he led us to (we drank soda out of a trophy cup as if we won the Stanley cup :) and the knowledge that he was instrumental in my development as an athlete and person. Please know that Frank was so important to so many guys who continue to carry his spirit in their lives and that his memory is cherished. Jack Buckley
Robert Fougere
January 14, 2021
My condolences to Frank's family and friends. I was blessed to have worked with Frank on several challenging projects at National Grid. He was always wise and yet humble in sharing his many talents and gifts. His smile and subtle humor was contagious and put people at ease. Frank's care for people certainly inspired me to do the same. I am very thankful to have been a small part of his life. May he rest forever in God's loving embrace.
Stephen BUNKER
January 13, 2021
As a young Hockey Player back in the 70s I remember Coach Knippenberg / Referee "Knip" as one of the real good guys of Youth and High School Hockey ! I never got the chance play for him as he retired. He did however referee many game's that I participated in. Always a fair strong presence on and off Ice God Bless Stephen Bunker
Karen Dixon
January 13, 2021
My sincere condolences to Franks’s family on his passing. I had the honor of serving on the Sandwich School Committee with Frank, and I had great respect for him. He was always prepared, well-spoken, and willing to listen. He made a great contribution to our community and he will be missed.
Bill Kennedy
January 13, 2021
Frank “Nip” was always a giver. He was a youth hockey coach to me and so many other kids when hocket was in it’s hay day around here in the late 60’s. Frank gave his time mentoring us kids when we were at an age when you don’t know what in the hell is the right thing to do. Nip was more than just our coach, he was like a big brother helping us grow up. He would always give you a ride to or from practice He taught me how to man up. He was so influential to me excelling playing high school and college hockey. When I was 13, I played for Frank. I really screwed up by bumping a ref. I was suspended, but Frank made sure that I was sorry. He took me back onto the team, and made me feel welcome. Leo, Mike, Frank, and I had great times in his boat listening to Rolling Stones’ Sticky Fingers in Manomet.
I have nothing but happy memories about Frank, and always will.
Thank you Nip for so many gifts you gave me and many others.
Paul Cote
January 12, 2021
I had worked with Frank for the past 6 years. When I planned construction with another coworker within national grid frank came into the fold and I worked very closely with him. He was a brilliant sweet man and I learned a lot from him. We have worked on and off together but whenever site visits occurred I would always see him and his smile was infectious we had a very similar sense of humor. I am so sorry for your loss and he will be greatly missed. I will always remember and never forget. Godspeed.
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad, Kevin, Kegan, Molly and Benjamin in Holland visiting Dad's hometown.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad at dinner with Donny and Jason.
FROM THE FAMILY
Celebrating Christmas together.
FROM THE FAMILY
Toasting to their new marriage.
FROM THE FAMILY
Mom feeding dad a slice of cake at their wedding reception.
FROM THE FAMILY
Kegan’s first Disney world trip! Dad always loved to spoil Kegan!
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad & Sara.
FROM THE FAMILY
Just one of the many Family holiday parties.
FROM THE FAMILY
Kevin, Kegan, Sara & Dad.
FROM THE FAMILY
Family was always important to Dad.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and mom in Aruba at Kevin & Julie’s wedding.
FROM THE FAMILY
Benjamin & Molly’s baptism.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and his new daughter in law dancing at her and Kevin’s wedding reception.
FROM THE FAMILY
One of the many family get together.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and Mom making funny faces with Benjamin while Molly is fast asleep in her stroller.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad feeding Frank a bottle... of course in his own style of Jean cutoffs!
FROM THE FAMILY
And the family gatherings continue with new generations attending.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad, Kevin & Kegan with the twins on dads trip back home to the Netherlands.
FROM THE FAMILY
Enjoying a nice time with family.
FROM THE FAMILY
Frank’s baptism.
FROM THE FAMILY
No matter what dad always had such a beautiful smile on his face.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and mom always loved dancing together at weddings.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and mom with Frank and Kevin.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and Frank.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and Kegan during a trip to visit Sara in Colorado.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and moms wedding picture.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad & Kevin in Aruba.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad had such an infectious smile especially when he was with his grandchildren.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad & mom with Benjamin & Molly at their first Christmas.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad & Kevin with the twins.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad playing peek-a-boo with Molly.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and mom the their wedding shower in 1974.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad at just 3 months old.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad was always volunteering no matter what the event was.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and mom on vacation.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and Molly in Holland.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad always loved the family trips.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and Sara goofing off as dad was always ready for a good time.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and twins apple picking in the fall.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad getting ready to walk Amy down the isle at her wedding.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and Ellen, always having a great time together.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad & mom with their amazing children.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad with his parents and siblings.
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad, Kevin, Kegan, Molly and Benjamin in Holland visiting Dad's hometown.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad at dinner with Donny and Jason.
FROM THE FAMILY
Celebrating Christmas together.
FROM THE FAMILY
Toasting to their new marriage.
FROM THE FAMILY
Mom feeding dad a slice of cake at their wedding reception.
FROM THE FAMILY
Kegan’s first Disney world trip! Dad always loved to spoil Kegan!
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad & Sara.
FROM THE FAMILY
Just one of the many Family holiday parties.
FROM THE FAMILY
Kevin, Kegan, Sara & Dad.
FROM THE FAMILY
Family was always important to Dad.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and mom in Aruba at Kevin & Julie’s wedding.
FROM THE FAMILY
Benjamin & Molly’s baptism.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and his new daughter in law dancing at her and Kevin’s wedding reception.
FROM THE FAMILY
One of the many family get together.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and Mom making funny faces with Benjamin while Molly is fast asleep in her stroller.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad feeding Frank a bottle... of course in his own style of Jean cutoffs!
FROM THE FAMILY
And the family gatherings continue with new generations attending.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad, Kevin & Kegan with the twins on dads trip back home to the Netherlands.
FROM THE FAMILY
Enjoying a nice time with family.
FROM THE FAMILY
Frank’s baptism.
FROM THE FAMILY
No matter what dad always had such a beautiful smile on his face.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and mom always loved dancing together at weddings.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and mom with Frank and Kevin.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and Frank.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and Kegan during a trip to visit Sara in Colorado.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and moms wedding picture.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad & Kevin in Aruba.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad had such an infectious smile especially when he was with his grandchildren.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad & mom with Benjamin & Molly at their first Christmas.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad & Kevin with the twins.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad playing peek-a-boo with Molly.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and mom the their wedding shower in 1974.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad at just 3 months old.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad was always volunteering no matter what the event was.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and mom on vacation.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and Molly in Holland.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad always loved the family trips.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and Sara goofing off as dad was always ready for a good time.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and twins apple picking in the fall.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad getting ready to walk Amy down the isle at her wedding.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad and Ellen, always having a great time together.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad & mom with their amazing children.
FROM THE FAMILY
Dad with his parents and siblings.