HUDSON FALLS – On December 10, 2023, Mr. Richard Bartholomew Knapp passed away peacefully at Albany Medical Center. He was 90 years old.
Born April 30, 1933, Richard was a lifelong resident of Hudson Falls. He was the son of Harry and Bertha Knapp, and had one older sister, Elaine. He was a 3-sport standout athlete in high school, especially in baseball. Following graduation, he married Liane McFarland on September 23, 1950. Together, they raised three sons and two daughters. For 38 years, he worked at Hercules/Ciba-Geigy. Though he never attended college, he rose in the ranks, becoming Supervisor of the Technical Services Lab–an honor usually bestowed on someone with a degree in chemistry.
An avid New York fan, especially a “Miracle Mets” fan, Richard also supported the Giants, the Knicks, and the Rangers. He enjoyed writings by Alex Cross and Edgar Allan Poe, Broadway songs (including “Some Enchanted Evening”), and especially songs by Johnny Cash. He was a down-to-earth man who liked plaid shirts, didn’t like to wear neck ties, had a great sense of humor, and could laugh at himself. One of his secret talents was writing. And every Christmas, he would write his version of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” highlighting events in the lives of family members over the past year. No one escaped his version of such recollections, “not even a mouse.”
Richard was predeceased by his parents, his sister, his brother-in-law; and one son, Kevin, who passed away in January 2023. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Liane; 2 sons: Bruce, of Latham; and Keith, of Hudson Falls; and 2 daughters both of Hudson Falls: Pamela Roberge (and husband, Rene’); and his youngest daughter, Tracy; 3 granddaughters: Amy Roberge of Las Vegas; Emily Tomlin of Knoxville, Tenn.; Kristal Knapp of Middlebury, Vermont; 5 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Based on his wishes, Richard will have no public funeral services. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the SPCA Animal Hospital or the Alzheimer’s Association.
One of Richard’s favorite Cash songs was “I Walk the Line.” The lyrics speak about the integrity of convictions, resisting temptation, remaining faithful and devoted. They speak of bonds that link us together as friends and family. Those who knew Richard know how these simple lyrics honor Richard as a friend, a father, and a husband: “I keep a close watch on this heart of mine, I keep my eyes wide open all the time. I keep the ends out for the tie that binds. Because you’re mine, I walk the line.”