This past Friday, the CTPA lost one of its long time members with the passing of Richard W. “Bob” Knapp of West Redding. Bob was 84 when he died, and leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Betty, his four sons and three daughters, plus many additional relatives – daughters- and sons-in-law, grandkids, friends and relatives. He will be missed by many people. He was predeceased by one son, Thomas.
Bob founded not just one but two tree care companies, both of which are still in business. Knapp Brothers Inc. was founded by Bob along with his brother Joe in 1954 and is still run by Bob’s nephew Dayle. Later, Bob founded Knapp Tree Incorporated, which is run by his sons Edward and Andrew. All 3 – Andrew, Edward and Dayle – are licensed arborists and members of CTPA.
Besides being a true professional, Bob contributed to those around him in many other ways – as a serviceman in the Korean War, as a volunteer fireman in Redding and as a town assessor and volunteer with his church and various social organizations.
The wake for Bob will be held at Kane Funeral Home in Ridgefield on Wednesday, June 22 from 4 to 8 pm. The funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 23, at 11 am, at the First Church of Christ, Congregational, in Redding.
Bob’s obituary was published in the Danbury News-Times.