Dawn M. Knopp

OSWEGO – Dawn M. Knopp, 56, of Sterling, passed away on April 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Oswego, she was the daughter of the late Donald F. and Susan (Lamphere) Scharf.

Dawn graduated from Hannibal High School and earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Buffalo.  She worked in IT Sales as an Account Executive for many years.

Dawn was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and the heart of the family. She gave her whole life to creating a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support. To know her was to feel cared for—she had a way of making everyone around her feel important, seen, and deeply loved. She found so much joy in the simple, beautiful things in life. She loved spending time in her backyard, gardening and landscaping, always making it a place of peace and beauty.

She loved golfing and was a member of Stonecreek and Oswego Country Club, where she enjoyed many days on the course alongside her husband. She was an avid reader and could often be found with a good book in hand. Her greatest passion was her family, especially her daughters. She was deeply involved in their dance lives and shared her love and talent by teaching acro at Miss Kelly’s Dance Company. She loved and cherished her husband deeply, and their life together was filled with love, partnership, and unwavering support. They were married for 33 years and enjoyed traveling the world together. She was also a familiar and cherished presence in the community—whether it was her beloved Wine Wednesdays at Canale’s or simply the way she connected with others. To her, there were no strangers, only friends she hadn’t met yet.

She leaves behind her husband, Walter Knopp Jr; her daughters, Taylor DiCarlo (David) and Chloe Knopp (Mitchell); her mother-in-law, Donna Baker; her siblings, Stephen Scharf (Trish) and Joseph Scharf (Lorrie); and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Susan Scharf; her three daughter triplets, Abie, Brittany, and Caitlyn Knopp; and her brother, Gerald Scharf. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Upstate Cancer Center Hematology and Oncology in Oswego.

There will be no calling hours or funeral services per Dawn’s wishes. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of Nelson Funeral Home.