Ronald M. Knuppel

Ronald Matthew Knuppel, known lovingly to family and friends as "Ronnie,”" was born in Queens, NY on December 10, 1936 and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. He departed from this world on January 30, 2025, in Greenville, SC

At the young age of 13, Ronnie met his lifelong sweetheart, Anne Schlee, and would marry her six years later on October 9, 1956. They lived in Flushing, NY where he worked at the Fulton Fish Market and started his long seafood career. 

Ronnie served in the United States Army for two years, spending most of his service with the 2nd Armored Division, 42nd Armored Infantry Battalion in Mainz, Germany. 

After having two children, Ronald Jeffrey and Laura Anne, Ronnie and his family moved to Willow Grove, PA where they lived for six years before moving to Denison TX. Ronnie began coaching little league baseball and eventually co-founded “Lark”; a Child Care Development Center dedicated to the growth and development of young children, where they would impact the lives of children for 12 years.

In 1982, Ronnie and Anne moved to Cocoa Beach, FL where they enjoyed the rest of their life together under the Florida sunshine. Along with his dedication to caring for children, Ronnie had a long and proud career as a Seafood Manager at Publix in Cocoa Beach. As an avid surf fisherman, Ronnie enjoyed sharing his passion for quality seafood with those around him. He also spent many years volunteering with the Sea Turtle Preservation Society. He and his wife attended Christ Lutheran Church in Cape Canaveral, FL.

In 2020, Anne departed from Ronnie’s life in body, but in spirit, she never left Ronnie’s side. Ronnie is also preceded in death by his brother, Paul Knuppel, and is survived by two sisters, Patricia Apple and Debbie John.

Those who met Ronnie would have a hard time forgetting his larger-than-life, “tell it like it is” personality. Ronnie wasn’t afraid to say what was on his mind, and he didn’t hesitate to speak up for those he loved most. Ronnie never did anything halfway, but when he loved, he loved with his whole heart. 

Ronnie leaves behind two children, Ronald Jeffrey Knuppel (MarLane) and Laura Anne Knuppel Lopetz. Ronnie was blessed with three grandchildren, Lauren Atkinson (Justin), Christian Lopetz, and Matthew Knuppel (Laura), and four great-grandchildren: Adrianna, Brody, Lucas, and Alexia. 

As we commend Ronnie to eternal rest, let us never forget those cherished memories filled with love, laughter, and fatherly wisdom that we’ve been blessed to receive from Ronnie’s long and remarkable life.