Paul S. Knapek

Paul Stanley Knapek, Jr. died on April 4, 2021, in Tampa, FL at age 87. He was born on May 29, 1933, in NYC to Paul and Joanna Knapek. In his early teens, he worked on an onion farm before completing vocational automotive school. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1951 and served overseas during the Korean War and achieved the rank of Boatswain's Mate, First Class with sleeves. During his naval career, he served aboard the USS Kenneth Whiting and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Good Conduct medal. Paul was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1955. In September 1956, Paul married Ann Scotch and settled in Freeport, Long Island where they raised their three children – Kenneth, Diane, and Gregory (Greg). Paul enjoyed working on cars, camping, and fishing trips with the family; he reportedly was not very successful at the fishing part…a trait that has been apparently passed down to Greg ? After running his own trucking company (P.K Trucking) for a few years, Paul worked as a commercial truck driver around the tristate area, delivering various goods and materials. He remained committed to this work until his retirement. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ann, son Kenneth, grandson, Russell, his brother, Richard Knapek, and sister, Alice Sheppard. He is survived by his daughter Diane Bly (Edward) in Virginia, son Gregory (Marcy Jodah) in Florida, his grandchildren, Michael Knapek, Rachel Bly, Jesse Bly, and four great-grandchildren – Jeremiah, Abigail, Aubree, and Jaxson. He was affectionately known to his kids and grandkids as Pop or Poppy. After his retirement and death of his beloved wife Ann, Paul remained in Freeport and enjoyed watching baseball, golfing, and meals with his buddies; Gino's restaurant in Massapequa became his version of home-cooked meals. He later met Lynn Laino and they remained devoted companions to each other for more than 15 years until her death in 2014; he gained an additional family during that time. In addition to dining out, Lynn and Paul enjoyed many adventures traveling during their years together. Following the deaths of his grandson in 2018 and son in 2019, Paul relocated to Tampa, FL to be closer to family (son Greg and daughter-in-law, Marcy live there). Although this was not a welcomed plan initially, he came to enjoy living in the warmer sunshine state and even said "I should have moved sooner." Unfortunately, the COVID pandemic that began in March 2020 significantly impacted him being able to explore the area and time spent with family. Paul was an avid dog lover and always had a furry kid – Snowball, Ginger, Boots, Clancy, Peanuts, and Mikie. Peanuts were his sidekick until he passed away in 2014; shortly after that, he rescued Mikie from a local shelter. Mikie remained his close companion until the end. Pop was a devoted family guy and friend to all who knew him. He has left a hole in our hearts and will be missed greatly. WE LOVE YOU POP! Family will recieve friends on Tuesday April 13th from 4:00 - 7:00PM. Funeral Mass Wednesday April 14th at 9:30AM at Our Holy Redeemer RC Church, Freeport, N.Y. Interment Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Humane Society: https://secure.humanesociety.org/site/Donation2?24225.donation=form1&df_id=24225