TORRINGTON — Richard Francis Knapp, 74, of Torrington, died Oct. 21, 2026, at the Valerie Manor in Torrington. He was the son of the late Theodore A. Knapp Sr. and Marion Margaret (Winters) Knapp. Richard was born in Waterbury on June 2, 1952.
In the late 1960’s he was employed at the Kent Milk Bar, as his first job. The Kent Milk Bar was owned and operated by his dad, Ted Knapp.It was an institution in town.He was a member of the 1966 KCS Region 1 Grade School Basketball Championship. Rick was an active Kent Boy Scout participating in all activities and functions and thoroughly enjoyed the scouting experience. His memory of places, people, and events in Kent historycould rarely be challenged.Hegraduated from the class of 1970, Housatonic Valley Regional High School.After high school, Richard pursued his education in Communications, at Graham Jr. College located in Boston, Massachusetts.
Rick’s career extended many decades in the retail and wholesale trades. The Stone Co,Caldors, Industrial Safety Products, Central Lumber, and for the past 35 years Rick was employed by CA Lindell & Sons of Canaan Connecticut. Rick worked in both the hardware and fuel divisions. He was a dedicated employee, wherever employed, and dedicated to all customers with his gifted compassion and understanding of their needs and situation.
Rick enjoyed all his golfing trips with his friends to both Ocean City, Maryland and Saratoga New York.Yearly, weekend trips to LakeGeorge, that usually included a day at the track, which was a true love. Being of Irish Luck,Rick also won numerous Bingo pots, Keno, snowblower and even an ATV. He bowled in the Dover Recreation League in the late 70’s, collecting radios of any age and style, car maintenance, and growing tomatoes on his back porch were hobbies. He was a true Trojan baseball fan (since 2005) and supported the team as they played throughout the Tristate League. His Trojan hat and jersey were always a part of his attire! Spending holidays and celebrations with friends was never missed by Rick!
Rick is survived by his sister Linda Peet of Harwinton, Connecticut, and many nieces and nephews.He was predeceased, in addition to his parents, by his siblings; Theodore A. Knapp, Jr., Joan Scully, Robert Knapp, George Knapp, Edith Ackerman,Janice Barbarie, and James Knapp. Rick is also survived by his life long friends; Bruce Osolin and Greg DeLoy both of whom were present and stepped in as available caregivers of his home and his beloved cat Molly.
Graveside services will be held on Thursday Oct. 29, 2026, at 1:30 pm in Calvary Cemetery 2324 E. Main St. Waterbury, CT 06705.A Celebration of Rick’s Life will be held on November 22, 2026 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the VFW Couch - Pipa Post 6851 104 S Canaan Rd. Canaan, CT 06018.Arrangements are under the care of the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home 118 Main St. Canaan, CT 06018.
