Obituary for Gary R. Knibbs
Gary R. Knibbs, Sr.
We are saddened to announce the unexpected but peaceful death of our beloved Gary R
Knibbs on October 5, 2022 at Bon Secours Hospital after a brief illness. He was 81.
The son of the late Charles R. and Margaret Stewart Knibbs, he was born at home on the family farm in the Town of Wawayanda on April 24. 1941, where he would spend the rest of his life in a town he loved.
He graduated from Middletown High School and married his High School sweetheart, Paula Lattimer. They shared 23 years of marriage and raised their two devoted children together.
Gary worked the family farm for many years and his resourcefulness and love of working the fields as well as the many people he met throughout his life made him a desirable employee.
Eventually, Gary retired from farming, and went to work at the Town of Wawayanda taking care of Shannon Park; a job he loved. He appreciated the opportunity to again be outdoors; keeping open space and amenities available and useable for the town residents for many years.
His last position with the town was with the highway department, where his genial
disposition and strong work ethic was appreciated by his peers and town officials as well.
He retired from the town in 2012, and was honored to be asked to become president of the Ridgebury Cemetery Association.. With his helpful attitude ,his kindness and his pride in doing things right, he kept the sacred resting place well cared for and helped hundreds of families over the years. All without a salary. He was volunteering his time and talents for over 40 years!
Gary will be missed by everyone and anyone who knew him in the Town of Wawayanda. To say that he loved his life, his family and his town would be an
accurate statement about him.
He was one of five children who was baptized and raised at the little church on top of
the hill, (Grace United Methodist Church of Ridgebury) and as a life member, always had a strong connection to it’s spiritual teachings ,his childhood memories and the neighbors that were a huge part of his life.
Gary is survived by his beloved children; Gary Knibbs, Jr. and his companion Jessica Ferrari, Brenda Knibbs and her husband Christopher Bailey, his cherished grandchildren, Samantha and Brianna Knibbs , Richard and Lydia Penaluna, his one surviving sister, Margaret Struble, one surviving sister-in-law, Marie Knibbs and his faithful companion, Frances Petrillo and her children; Erin, Kirsten and Joe and their spouses, grandchildren and loving families. Gary also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that blessed him with their visits in the past few months.
He was predeceased by his parents, his four siblings and spouses ; Eddie and Evelyn Knibbs, Lucille and Emmett Doty, Pearl and Frank Van BenSchoten, Lawrence Knibbs and Butch Struble.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at the Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home,130 Highland Ave .Middletown, New York from 4-6pm.
A Funeral Service of Remembrance will be celebrated on Thursday, October 13, 2022 with Pastor Han officiating at 11 am at Gary’s church, the Grace UMC of Ridgebury .
Donations in his name may be made to the UMC Church 690 Ridgebury Rd., Slate Hill, N.Y. 10973
The family wishes to express their thanks to Doctor Dinsmore and Hospice of Orange and Sullivan County for their care and attention to Gary during his illness..
Arrangements are under the direction of Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc. To send a condolence go to applebee-mcphillips .com
To plant a tree in memory of Gary R. Knibbs, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Wednesday
12
Oct
4:00 PM
- 6:00 PM
Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home
130 Highland Ave.
Middletown, NY 10940
A Funeral Service of Remembrance will be held at Ridgebury Church on October 13, 2022 at 11:00am.
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