Howard W. Knipe Sr.

PRINCETON - Howard William Knipe Sr., devoted husband, loving father, adoring grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, at home on November 7, 2026.

He leaves behind his loving children, whom he always put above everything, including himself: his daughter, Kara Grace Knipe of Princeton, and his son, Howard William Knipe Jr. of Worcester; his beloved granddaughter, his ray of sunshine, Julianna Elizabeth Knipe; and his much-loved granddogs, Clara and Tuco. He is now reunited with his wife, Dianne, the love of his life, who passed away in February 2026.

Howard is survived by his sister, Sharon Sansoucy of Grafton, MA; his nephews, John Ryder and Jeff Ryder, both of Lakeville, MA, whom he loved as if they were his own children; and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law, Mark Freeman of Rutland; sister-in-law, Donna Soltys of Lynn, MA; brother-in-law, William Lauzon and his wife, Joanne, of North Andover, MA; and brother-in-law Daniel Lauzon and his wife, Maureen, of North Lebanon, ME; as well as many extended family members. He was predeceased by his wife of 28 years Dianne Knipe, brother-in-law, David Soltys of Lynn, and his sisters, Carla (Knipe) Ryder of Lakeville, MA, and Karin (Knipe) Freeman of Rutland, MA, as well as both his parents.

Born on December 10, 1954, in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Marion (Holmquist) Knipe and Richard Knipe, Howard was raised and educated in Worcester. He followed in his father's footsteps as a mechanic, working at Patrick Motors and Edward Buick before opening his own garage, which he operated until his retirement. Being a mechanic was not only in his blood, but it fit Howard to a tee. He was, above all, a fixer of problems for anyone he loved. If something was broken, he would find a way to fix it. And if someone needed help, he would find a way to be there.

Howard was an avid outdoorsman and could often be found hunting, fishing, and hiking. He traveled solo to the Everglades, Alaska, and many other places, and later continued his adventures with his wife, Dianne, and their children. He had recently returned from Arizona, where he and Dianne had spent their honeymoon. One of his fondest memories was a family trip to Yellowstone National Park, where, among many adventures, including whitewater rafting, he completed an eight-hour horseback ride through the Absaroka Pass in Montana and loved every minute of it. Howard also had a lifelong love of music, especially The Beatles, whose songs were always close to his heart.

But what Howard enjoyed most was simply spending time with his family and friends. He often referenced the quote, "The most precious gift you can give someone is your time." He lived by those words, giving his time generously to the people who mattered most to him.

Howard was a larger-than-life presence. If you met him once, you never forgot him. He was fiercely loyal and devoted to the people he cared about. Howard's cup could be empty, but he would still be pouring into the cups of the ones he loved. He taught you lessons, sometimes without even realizing it, and left an impression that stayed with you long after the conversation ended. He showed up, he gave generously, he stood by his people, and he loved with everything he had.

In addition to his family, Howard was deeply grateful for the many friends who became family and who had always been there for him. To name them all would require an entire newspaper page, but he would especially want to thank Bruce Gerardi and Anthony Gerardi of Shrewsbury, MA; Robbie and Megan Morin of Thompson, CT; Leigh Hudson of Princeton, MA; William Rauh of Princeton, MA; Russ Giourard of Rutland, MA; cousins Jay and Patty Lange of Berlin, MA; and Chris Zins and Jenna Haggerty of Mesa, Arizona. You were his people, and he loved you.

To summarize a man who was such a presence is no easy task. Perhaps the best way is through a quote Howard often said: "Those who measure and weigh will always be disappointed." Howard never measured his love, weighed his loyalty, or kept track of what he gave to others. He simply lived, loved, and gave everything he had to the people around him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mass Wildlife Wildlands Fund in memory of Howard William Knipe Sr., and to the Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation in honor of Howard and Dianne Knipe, a charity they both held near and dear to their hearts. 

A celebration of life for Howard and Dianne will be held June 19, 2027.

Assisting with arrangements is Miles Funeral Home in Holden. To leave a condolence or share a memory please visit www.milesfuneralhome.com