Walter H. "Snookie" Knapik

Uxbridge – Walter H. “Snookie” Knapik, 82, of William Ward St., passed away peacefully on Sat. Sept. 17, 2022 at home after a 15-month battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

He is survived by his wife Aline M. (Boudreau) Knapik, with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage on Sept 1st; 2 sons W. Robert Knapik of Uxbridge, and Paul M. Knapik and his partner Margaret Fitzgerald of Whitinsville; 5 grandchildren Dr. Laura Knapik and her husband Ian Kaplan, Samuel Knapik, Alyssa Knapik and her fiancé Corey Patterson, Jayce Knapik and his companion Mariah Deroches, and Bretton Knapik; his brother Robert J. Knapik and his wife Terry of Scottsdale, AZ, his Aunt Janet Rabitor; many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was brother of the late Judyann Kearnan and was predeceased by nephew Richard Kearnan. Born in Whitinsville, MA on June 8, 1940, he was the son of Walter S. and Alice E. (Rabitor) Knapik and lived in Uxbridge all his life.

Mr. Knapik worked as a computer operator for New England Power Service Company for over 30 years, retiring in 1999. A 1959 graduate of Uxbridge High School, he was a standout 3 sport student athlete, playing basketball, football, and baseball, batting over .500 his senior year. He served in the US Army National Guard in the Whitinsville Barracks. He coached Uxbridge Little League for many years, was a life member and past president of the Uxbridge Rod and Gun Club, and belonged to the Whitinsville Golf Club where enjoyed the thrill of hitting 2 hole-in-ones, coming 10 years apart, both on Hole 7!

A lifelong musician, Snookie played trumpet since 4th grade. He played in the high school band, the US Army Band at Fort Drum, NY, a polka band (Snookie was ever so proud of his Polish Heritage), and in later years in the Blackstone Valley Community Concert Band.

Walter was an artist who enjoyed the challenge of watercolor painting, which included, since 1999, the Christmas card that he and Aline would send to family and friends who eagerly anticipated its annual arrival. He was a member of the RI Watercolor Association.

His family would like to thank family and friends, including his neighbors Tim and Dana, all of whom who were so supportive during Snookie’s illness. They are especially grateful to the UMass Memorial oncology clinic team of Dr. Jan Cerny, Lindsey, and Andrea, the oncology nurses, and the PCA’s especially Cheryl and Tory.  The care and skill of all of them made it possible for Walter to live to see each of his grandchildren celebrate one more birthday, and to see his oldest granddaughter graduate from medical school and attend her wedding. Mere words could never express the family’s profound gratitude to oncology nurses Laurie Budnick and Beth Duncan.

His funeral will be held Thurs. Sept. 22 at 11 am in Tancrell-Jackman Funeral Home, 35 Snowling Rd. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are Wed. Sept 21 from 430 to 730 pm and Thurs. from 10 to 11 am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Adam Bullen Memorial Foundation, 8B Concord Ct. Webster, MA 01570 or to the People First Food Pantry, 19 Douglas St. Uxbridge, MA 01569.  To leave a condolence message for his family please visit: http://www.Jackmanfuneralhomes.com.

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