Thomas “Tim” Edward Knisely, 84, of Bellefonte, passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 14, 2014, at Mount Nittany Medical Center, surrounded by his family. A son of the late Albert and Charlotte “Lottie” (Grimm) Knisely, he was born on October 6, 1930, in Bellefonte. On October 1, 1954, he married the former JoNell Moore, of Renovo, who survives at home. They had just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
He was a 1949 graduate of Bellefonte Area High School. Tim joined the National Guard immediately after high School and later joined the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from 1949-1952, in Okinawa.
He was employed by Bell of Pennsylvania, as a cable splicer for 40 years and also owned and operated Knisely Electric Maytag in Bellefonte and did repair service for many others in the area.
He was a member of the Faith United Methodist Church for over 60 years, a 63 year life member of the Undine Fire Company, life member of the Bellefonte VFW and American Legion and also a member of the Bellefonte Moose. He was also a life member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.
He was a humble man, loving husband and father and committed to his family. He will be missed.
Along with his wife, Tim is survived by his four children; Scott Knisely (Deneen) of Lock Haven, Douglas Knisely (Katai) of Lock Haven, JoDell Ralston (Ralph) of Bellefonte, Tim Knisely (Karin) of Bellefonte, eight grandchildren; Lindsey Kellner, Leah Knisely both of Crofton MD, Audra Knisely of Zion, Erin Knisely of Baltimore, MD, Haley Ralston of Milesburg, Grant Ralston of Bellefonte, Katelyn and Hunter Knisely of Bellefonte, along with two great grandchildren; Owen Knisely of Zion and Porter Kellner of Crofton, MD. Also surviving Tim is one brother Charles “Chick” Knisely of Vero Beach, FL, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters; Mary Louise Sunday, Helen Rodavich, Charlotte Fetzer, Dorothy Wagner and Lois Dreibelbis, two brothers, Albert and Richard Knisely, one step brother, Jack Heffelfinger and one step sister, Mary Ramsey.
A public visitation will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2014, from 6-8 PM, at Faith United Methodist Church, 512 Hughes St, Bellefonte, PA 16823. The funeral service will be Friday, October 17, 2014, at 2:00 PM, with an additional visitation 1 hour prior, at the church, with Reverend Andrew Morgan officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Hall Cemetery, Ferguson Township.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Faith Center Food Bank, 131 S. Allegheny St., Bellefonte, PA 16823 or the Faith United Methodist Church.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc., Bellefonte.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com.