Richard Knapp

Richard R. Knapp died on March 28, 2005 at the home of his Son and Daughter-in-law, Robert and Kathleen Knapp in Sturbridge. Mr. Knapp was born in Deposit, New York April 9, 1919, son of Nelson and Edna Knapp. He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years Virginia S. Knapp. Mr. Knapp is survived by Robert and Kathleen Knapp of Sturbridge, MA and Donald and Virginia Knapp of Fair Haven, VT. He also leaves six grandchildren and five Great Grandchildren. Mr. Knapp served in W.W.II and Korea in the Military Police and Criminal Investigative Division of the U. S. Army. After his military service he traveled to New York City where he graduated from Columbia University. While at Columbia he majored in Radio and Theater. Richard was very successful on Broadway and in Television, some of his parts were on The Phil Silvers Show, the Virginian, the Twilight Zone, Mr. Broadway and countless other Broadway Shows and television spots. Mr. Knapp also did many voice overs for shows and commercials. He is best known for the voice of the "Jolly Green Giant" commercial. After his retirement from television and Broadway, Mr. Knapp and his wife returned to Deposit where he was ran and was elected Mayor. For 14 years he worked diligently to help make Deposit a better place for everyone. Mr. Knapp also performed in the Community Theater with other retired actors. Mr. Knapp and his wife also traveled extensively, Europe, Asia, many trips to Ireland and Scotland, Africa, the US, the Caribbean, and Australia. Richard also worked for The Criminal Justice System where he was a Special Investigator for the Broome County Court until his retirement in 1993. Richard was an avid member of the Rotary and was awarded the standing of a Paul Harris Fellow. Mr. Knapp will be laid to rest in his hometown of Deposit after a Memorial Service to be announced at a later date. Special thanks would liked to be given to the wonderful and caring nurses and aids at the Harrington Hospice and Home Care. They are truly special people and we cannot thank them enough for their help and encouragement during a very difficult time. In lieu of flowers the Knapp Family is requesting that donations to be sent to the Deposit Fire and Rescue: Deposit Fire and Rescue Second Street Deposit, New York 13754 Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home 51 Marcy St. Southbidge is directing arrangements. A memorial guest book is available on line at www. belangerfuneralhome.com