Ralph H. Knickerbocker, Jr.

Ralph H. Knickerbocker, Jr., 88, of Saegertown, passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at Meadville Medical Center.

He was born May 1, 1928 in Meadville, a son of Ralph H. and Myrtle M. Higley Knickerbocker, Sr.  Shortly after birth, Ralph was the recipient of treatment for his Polio illness from the Shriners Hospital for Children in Erie; one of their first patients and he felt very blessed for their care.  He married Nellie L. Dilley June 5, 1947 and she survives.

Ralph worked as a machinist at Abex for 38 years, retiring in 1984.  He was a member and past president of the International Assoc. of Machinists Local 1385.  He was a Golden Age Eagle of 52 years of Meadville Aerie 429, Fraternal Order of Eagles and member of the Hayfield Township VFD.

A member of Denny Chapel, Ralph was proud of building his own house and he enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing, and traveling, especially vacationing at Kerr Lake, NC.  He additionally enjoyed dining at Cracker Barrel with family and friends, swimming for therapy including swimming across Conneaut Lake from Oakland Beach to Fireman’s Beach, was a former volunteer with the Boy Scouts, and he always had a smile on his face, was an inspiration to many, and would help anyone in need.

Survivors, in addition to his loving wife Nellie of almost 70 years, include two sons, Myrle Knickerbocker and his wife Peggy of Greenville and Dan Knickerbocker and his wife Lu Ann of Conneautville; two daughters, June Gebhardt and her husband William of Meadville and Carol Rhoades and her fiancé Tony Demitras of Meadville; 12 grandchildren, Myrle Knickerbocker Jr., Brian Knickerbocker and his wife Tammy, Amber McDonough and her husband Brian, Ryan Knickerbocker and his wife Alesha, Kara Knickerbocker, Kelly Schwab and her husband Mike, Michael Barry and his wife Fiona, Michael Rhoades and his wife Samantha, Tammy Sirak and her husband Gerald, Paul Rhoades and his wife Martina, Troy Rhoades and his wife Katelyn, and Brittany Evans and her husband Jesse; 21 great-grandchildren, Justin, Perry, Cora , Hailey, Sierra, Caden, Trey, Dane, Tara, Raef, Kyle, Kasey, Jayson, Ashlynn, Rashad, Rayaira, Trevor, Jackson, Blakely, Andrew, and Bryce; 3 great-great-grandchildren, Ryker, Camden, and Carter; a sister, Harriett (Betty) Hansen of Meadville; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by seven siblings, infant Viola Mary Knickerbocker, William Knickerbocker, Merland Knickerbocker, infant George Knickerbocker, Robert Knickerbocker, infant Gladys Knickerbocker, and Matie Rich; a son-in-law, James Rhoades and a former son-in-law, Michael Barry.

Calling hours will be Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the ROBERT W. WAID FUNERAL HOME, 581 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE with an Eagle’s final tribute to a deceased member at 5:45 p.m.

The funeral service will be Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. David Jenkins, Pastor of Denny Chapel, officiating.

Interment will be in Greendale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ralph’s memory to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 1645 W. 8th St., Erie, PA 16505, Denny Chapel, 15028 State Hwy 198, Meadville, PA 16335, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net.