Edward W. Knapp, 79, of Sheffield, Mass., formerly of Newtown, died peacefully January 12, surrounded by his family. He was born in Bridgeport on August 26, 1938, the first son of Eleanore and Alson Knapp.

His loving wife of 41 years, Nancy; daughter, Kym Venezia and husband Joseph of Sandy Hook; son, Kenneth Knapp and wife Janet of Sandy Hook; and cherished grandchildren, Erica and Elyse Knapp, and Anthony, Nicholas, and Christopher Venezia, survive him. He also leaves behind his siblings and their spouses, Fred and Jane Knapp, James and Carol Knapp, Irene and James Campbell, and Florence Knapp, as well as many nieces and nephews.

His parents predeceased him.

Mr Knapp graduated from Bullard Havens Technical School in 1957 and enlisted in the Army Reserves. He was a member of Long Hill Fire Department along with his father, uncle, brother, and cousin.

Known as "Big Ed," he was a lifetime mentor, a gentle man with patience - more than he thought he had - and was an influence to countless people. Mr Knapp was a man who touched many lives directly and indirectly through his lifelong passion of building homes. He was a career carpenter with Taylor Made Homes and later Imperial Construction, where he worked until retirement. He literally built roofs over thousands of families' heads, including his own in Newtown.

Mr Knapp loved snowmobiling and will always be remembered for driving the neighborhood kids around through the backyards. He eventually purchased a plot of land in Sheffield, surrounded by hundreds of trails that he enjoyed riding for many years with his children, brothers, and friends. He built his retirement home and workshop there and would tinker for hours at a time making small furniture pieces and shoe horns.

Friends and family may call on Saturday, January 20, from 1 to 5 pm, at Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Edward W. Knapp to Long Hill Fire Company #1 Inc, PO Box.332, Trumbull CT 06611.