Richard Oscar Knisley, 89, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday June 11, 2015. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, June 20th at 12:30 pm at Espiritu Santos Catholic Church, 2405 Phillipe Parkway, Safety Harbor, Florida, 34695. Final resting place will be at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington Virginia with full military honors provided by the United States Marine Corps.
A native of Detroit Michigan, Dick served our nation in the United States Marine Corps, 4th Marine Division, Pacific Theatre World War II. He studied architecture and worked in commercial building sales throughout most of his working career. Dick was a generous, loving husband, father and grandfather. An eternal optimist, he inspired all who knew him. He loved the water, loved sailing and walking hand in hand with his wife Pat on any sandy beach. He was fascinated with astronomy and space exploration. He was an honorary member of Knights of Columbus and served with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in Florida. He was a member of the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and served as an usher for a number of years at Espiritu Santos Catholic Church. He enjoyed making wine and this became a passion for him throughout his life and he loved sharing his wine varieties with family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Northy Knisley, his youngest daughter, Patricia Slepkow and his grandson Kenneth Knisley. Dick is survived by his loving family; his wife of 68 years Patricia Knisley of Palm Harbor, Florida, his 5 sons; Richard and his wife Rosanna of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Douglas and his wife Geri of Boulder, Colorado, Gregory and his wife Janet of South Haven, Michigan, David and his wife Jan of Tabernash, Colorado and Mark and his wife, Jane of Traverse City, Michigan; his daughter Mary Waters and her husband Robert of Saugatuck, Michigan; 6 grandsons; Steven Knisley and his wife Yvette of Las Vegas, Nevada, Brian Knisley and his wife Lisa of Las Vegas, Nevada, Daniel Knisley and his wife Sasha of Williston, North Dakota, Ryan Knisley of Folsom, California , Andrew Waters of Chicago, Illinois and Samual Waters and his wife Tristan of Maquoketa, Iowa; and 6 great granddaughters; McKenna Knisley, Taylor Knisley, Lily Waters, Keelyn Waters, Brinley Waters and Amara Waters. In lieu of flowers, send donations to Suncoast Hospice.
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Dear Aunt Pat, all of us are thinking of you and all of your family at this time. Uncle Dick was a wonderful man! Love,Wloszek’s, Hand’s,Musial’s and Welsch’s
Aunt Pat I will always have a special place in my heart for you and Uncle Dick,I will never forget the smile when Uncle Dick seen us kids,and always had time for us. I always wish I could be like Uncle Dick, but he just had to big of shoes to fill. I was blessed to have GREAT Uncle to look up to.LOVE YOU AUNT PAT Wally
I feel blessed to have had such a great Uncle. He holds a special place in my heart. Loved the stories, visits, and wine but not the carrot wine. My thoughts are with your whole family today. Sorry I couldn’t be there in person today. Love, Linda
Dear Aunt Pat, thought of u guys many times thought we are on opposite oceans. Uncle Dick was last of the great Knisleys, they were strong and taught us well. My heart is sad, Love DeEtte