OSWEGO, NY – Neil James (Jim) Knopp, died Friday evening Nov. 9, 2012, at Oswego Hospital, the result of complications following heart surgery.
Born in Oswego August 8, 1929, he was the son of the late William A. and Catherine (McBride) Knopp.
Neil James (Jim) Knopp
Neil retired from Oswego Hospital after 25 years in the Engineering Department. He also operated Knopp Refrigeration for more than 50 years. He learned the refrigeration trade by means of the G.I. Bill.
He was a US Army veteran, having served his country for more than six years.
He was a member of the U.S. Constabulary, which patrolled and policed Germany after World War II. He obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon a reenlistment physical he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and evacuated to Valley Forge Army Hospital, Pa., where he spent two years.
He met his future wife there, also a member of the military. He lovingly called her “Sarge” and joked that after their marriage she got a Battle Field Commission and was promoted to Company Commander.
Neil was a life member of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) and the Instrument Society of America (ISA). He was also life member and past Commander of the Disabled American Veterans and a member of VFW Post 2320. He was a member of the American Legion Post 268, Oswego City’s Veterans Council as well as a member of the National Constabulary Association, which he and other helped start. He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Marlene (Denbrock) Knopp; and his three children, in whom he took great pride, Dr. Michael A. Knopp of Presque Isle, Maine, Karen E. Knopp of Oswego, Mark D. (Joy) Knopp of Oswego; five grandchildren, Brent (Jacqui) Farrell of Syracuse, Andrea E. Farrell of Rochester, Margaret A. Knopp of Auburn, Emily A. Knopp of Oswego, Katherine E. Knopp of Oswego; and one great-grandchild Abel James Eby of Oswego. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including Lauri Knapp of Oswego, Cathy Dwyer of Syracuse and Joni Walsh of Syracuse.
He was predeceased by eight siblings, Margaret Knopp, Elizabeth Pospesel, Frances Dwyer, Dorothy Muldoon, Robert, Harry, John Knopp and William Knopp.
Funeral services will be 8:30 a.m. Tuesday from the Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home and at 9 a.m. in St. Paul’s Church.
Burial will be in Rural Cemetery.
Calling hours will be Monday 3-6 p.m. at the Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home.
Contributions may be made to Oswego Health, 110 W. Sixth St., Oswego, Oswego City Veteran’s Council, City Hall, or St. Paul’s Catholic Church East Fifth Street, Oswego, 13126
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My condolences to Mark and the family . It was a pleasure getting to know him a little as he helped get my coolers working.