Joel "JK" W. Knapp

WORCESTER – Joel Knapp (JK) died on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at his home in Worcester. He was 69. Mr. Knapp was born and raised in Worcester, a son of Walter and Antoinette (Jacobs) Knapp. From a young age, Mr. Knapp lived with both severe seizures and developmental disabilities. He was known for his sunny disposition, brilliant smile, and love of drawing. He had a great fondness for old television shows and cartoons, phone number memorization, and the color purple. He loved to travel and enjoyed recounting his favorite trips, including visits to family in Nova Scotia, Vermont, and Florida, and trips abroad including an often-remembered trip to the United Kingdom. When he was in his forties, Mr. Knapp experienced a fall that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Yet he continued to seek out new adventures; one of his favorites was being part of “Team Hoyt,” which gave him the opportunity to participate in numerous races in a specialized racing wheelchair, pushed by one of the Hoyt team runners. Mr. Knapp participated in the Venture day program for many decades, in programs run by the ARC of Massachusetts, and lived in both Venture and Seven Hills group homes. The family is so very grateful to everyone in these organizations who helped provide Mr. Knapp with more independence and a full and joyous life.

Mr. Knapp was predeceased by his parents, Toni and Walter, and his brother, Stephen Knapp. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his sister, Cherie Olihovik of Millbury; his sister-in-law, Frankie Knapp of State College, PA; his niece, Karen Heon and her husband Jeff of N. Providence, RI; his niece, Kristy Olihovik and her fiancé José Rodriguez of Dudley; his niece, Sarah Damaske and her husband Paul of State College, PA; his nephew, Jonathan Knapp and his wife Alex Callender of Easthampton; and his great-nephews and great-nieces, Brayden Heon, Makenna Heon, Cameron Tagliaferro, and Charlotte Damaske, as well as numerous cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with JK’s family from 12 to 1 pm Sunday, November 23, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden followed by a memorial service celebrating his life at 1 pm. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Team Hoyt, Venture Community Services, or The ARC of Massachusetts. Arrangements are under the care of the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden.