Ferdinand H Knaup

Rotterdam - Mr. Ferdinand Knaup, age 92, of Rotterdam, passed away on Monday, March 27, 2023 with his loving family by his side, in the comfort of his home. He was born on Feb. 6, 1931, in Paderborn, Germany, son of the late Ferdinand and Christine (Ratajczak) Knaup and educated in Germany as an apprentice and licensed plumber, working in Switzerland and Germany. While in Switzerland, he met Hilde, who became his wife in 1957, they had 65 happy years together until his passing. In 1955, Ferdinand immigrated to America where he was drafted and proudly served in the US Army. He was stationed in both Fort Ord, CA and in West Germany. In 1958, Ferdinand and Hilde moved to Schenectady, NY where they made their permanent home. Ferdinand was employed by Valley Equipment Company for 40 years, retiring in 2000. After that, he and his wife spent many years traveling throughout the US and Europe.He enjoyed gardening and helping his neighbors with projects. He was an active and devout member of St. Gabriel’s Church, Rotterdam. Ferdinand is survived by his wife, Hilde; his son, Michael and wife Carolyn of NC; his grandchildren, Kevin (Sarah), Tyler (Adrian) and Michael and Nicole Raspuzzi; great grandchildren, Lucas, Caleb and Parker along with nieces, Cindy, Linda, Ingrid and nephew, Peter. He was predeceased by his parents, Ferdinand and Christine; by his daughter, Christine Knaup Rapuzzi; his brother Bernhard and wife Elfriede Knaup and by his sister, Maria and Arnold Skogstrand Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to his memorial Mass of Christian Burial commencing at 11:30 am on Monday, April 3, 2023 at St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, Rotterdam. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday, prior to the Mass from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Funeral procession will follow to Gerald B. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery where burial will take place. Military honors will be offered by the US Army. In lieu of floral tributes, kindly consider donations to the Community Hospice of St. Peter’s in Albany or to St. Gabriel’s Church, Rotterdam. The family offers their gratitude to the staff of Community Hospice for their kindness and compassion. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, Rotterdam.