Gardner C. Knapp, 93, of Foley, Ala., passed away Nov. 21. He was born May 20, 1918 in Danvers, Mass., and grew up in Reading, Mass. He was a loving father and husband, whose caring and guidance was exhibited every day, in many ways. He was a sailing enthusiast and lived many years in Marblehead, Mass. After moving to Amherst, N.H., he became very active in the First Congregational Church. Upon retiring from Greenard Press and Machine Company in Nashua, N.H., he moved to South Bristol where he joined the First Responders group and stayed active playing golf and tennis.
For a number of years he was affiliated with Newcastle Square Realty as a broker. In the early 1990s he relocated to Foley, Ala. and volunteered his extensive business and sales experience to the local SCORE chapter, as well as the Literacy Council. He was affiliated with “The Society of Friends” of Fairhope, and was a member of St. Andrew by the Sea in Gulf Shores, Ala., and was a resident of Live Oak Village in Foley, Ala. He was an avid chess player and loved art of all forms. He was a beloved friend to all he met during his extensive journey through life. His kind heart, quick mind, and wonderful sense of humor will be remembered by everyone his life touched… which were many.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Elinor Knapp; younger sister, Lois Donovan; and younger brother, Arthur Knapp.
He is survived by his wife, Gloria D. Knapp of Foley, Ala.; sister, Merilyn Russell of Wakefield, Mass.; daughter, Lucille M. Wright and husband Hugh Wright of Whitefield; granddaughter, Gretchen Gottlich of Denver, Col.; and great-granddaughter, Carmen Siamakoun of Terre Haute, Ind.; step-children, Patrick Sumner of Montgomery, Ill., Paul Sumner of Wisconsin Dells, Wis., Sandy Leonard of Foley, Ala., and Julie Cornelson of Loxley, Ala.; as well as 12 step-grandchildren; and two step great-grandchildren.
Memorial service 10 a.m., Sat., Nov. 26 at St. Andrew by the Sea in Gulf Shores, Ala.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made in his name to St. Andrew by the Sea, 17263 HWY 180 West Gulf Shores, AL 36542.
Arrangements are by Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, HWY 59, Robertsdale, Ala.
