Obituary of Robert (Bob) Knell

"Loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather" DUKE CENTER - Robert (Bob) William Knell, Sr. of 514 Oil Valley Road, Duke Center, PA passed away Saturday (May 10, 2014) at Jamestown WCA in Jamestown, NY. Born February 25, 1945 in Port Allegany, PA he was the son of the late Alfred S. and Mary S. Sherwood Knell. On January 2, 1968 in Port Allegany, PA he married Carolyn Boser. Mr. Knell attended school in Port Allegany and later proudly served with the US Army from 1965 to 1977 where he served two tours of duty during the Vietnam War. After his service he moved home to PA and worked in law enforcement, employed at Alcas, Boser's Gravel Pit, Castle Corp and owned Knell's Garage and Bob's Pest Control. Bob was a jack of all trades because of his ability to fix anything and his willingness to help anyone in need. Bob was a member of the Allegany American Legion Charles Harbel Post 892 where he was a former Post Commander, was a member of the Trustee Committee and the Ritual Team and helped the Post assist with ROTC honors events. He was also a life member of both the Port Allegany Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6391 and the Disabled Veterans of McKean Co.#72. He belonged to the Loyal Order of Moose in Port Allegany and Allegany Mountain Oldtime Music Association. Along with his wife he worked on fundraising for Buffalo Children's Hospital. He was a role model to his children whom he taught by example how to be caring and generous to those around them. Bob touched many lives over the years and he showed an unselfishness that many left behind will never forget. His number one enjoyment was spending time with his grandchildren and children. He loved country/bluegrass music, fishing, old movies and working on mechanical things. He was an amazing father and grandfather. He was a substitute father to many. Bob leaves behind his loving wife of over 46 years, Carol, his daughter Tina (Matt) Palmer of Duke Center, PA and his sons, William Knell of Allegany and Robert W. (Chrystal) Knell, Jr. of Columbus, OH; 10 grandchildren, Allie Knell, Dean Knell, Thomas Moore, Logan Galbraith, Melinda Galbraith, Taylor Palmer, Chance Palmer, Emily Knell, MaKena Knell and Elathan Knell; 1 great grandson, Dominik Hitchcock; 1 brother Joseph (Juanita) Knell of Port Allegany, PA and many nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Road, Olean on Friday, May 23, 2014 from 6-9pm. Visitation will continue on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at the funeral home from 10-1pm where a memorial service will begin at 1pm Dr. Anthony Evans will officiate. Burial with full military honors will be in Mt. View Cemetery Veterans Field of Honor, Olean, conducted by the Allegany American Legion Ritual Team. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Allegany American Legion or Buffalo Children's Hospital. Afterwards family and friends are invited to join the immediate family at the Allegany American Legion for a celebration of his life. Bob will be missed dearly by his family. Dad you were amazing and we love you !!!