Gordon Paul Knippel

gordon knippel

October 14, 1928 ~ July 26, 2010


Resided in: Hendersonville, NC

Hendersonville - Gordon Paul Knippel, 81, passed away on Monday, July 26, 2010 of a heart attack while at home in Hendersonville, NC. Gordon was born October 14, 1928 in Norwalk, CT to the late Paul and Elsie Knippel and grew up in Troy, N.Y. He was predeceased by his twin sister, Dottie (1961). He married Virginia Uline on December 2, 1950 in Troy, NY. Gordon was a 1950 graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY., the college from which his father also graduated, and worked as a licensed professional engineer for 43 years before retiring from General Dynamics, Electric Boat Division, in Groton, CT. He received his M.B.A. from RPI in 1981. During his professional years, Gordon served 10 years in the Naval Reserves, volunteered as a fireman in Quambaug, CT, served as commodore of the Mystic Yacht Club in Connecticut, and was a member of both the Lions and Elks clubs. Gordon is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Virginia Knippel; two daughters, Deborah, and husband Anthony Trackerman of Black Mountain, NC, and Cynthia, and husband Robert Craft of Waterford, CT; and two grandchildren; Joshua Gordon Dees of Groton, CT and Jennifer Dees of Ledyard, CT. Gordon and his wife, Virginia, retired to Black Mountain, North Carolina in 1992 where he was involved in community work, serving as the Chairman of the Black Mountain Medical Center and as a lay leader and chairman of the finance committee of the Tabernacle United Methodist Church in Black Mountain. During his retirement, he enjoyed golf, home improvement projects, reading, and boating at Lake James with family and friends. Gordon was a man of exceptional integrity and a perfectionist in all endeavors. He will be sorely missed by family and friends. There will be no calling hours. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. A memorial service will be planned for a future date. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is serving the family.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. I remember Uncle Gordon as being observant, intelligent, funny- and no child could resist his ‘Donald Duck’! He had the respect of so many people; when I worked at EB it was obvious on a daily basis. He was so involved in the community, and with family and friends, and his love of the sea has left me with many treasured memories. Most of all, it was very clear how much he loved Aunt Ging, debb and Cindy, Josh and Jen. He was a great uncle and we’ll never forget him.
    With love, Sue, Jef, Jacqueline and Elizabeth

  2. Aunt Ging, Debby, Cindy, and families,
    We are so sorry to hear of Uncle Gordon’s passing. His ears must have been ringing over the past week, as I spoke so fondly of him and you, Aunt Ging, with friends who recently adopted a dachshund. I told them about our wonderful visits to Mystic, and our adventures on the boats, captained by our dear Uncle Gordon. Please know that our love and prayers are with you all.
    With deepest sympathy and unforgettable memories,
    Kris, Dominic, DJ and Tony

  3. Deb and family. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you in this time of sadness. Linda E Wagner, Norwich CT

  4. Hi Deb, it’s Dana, Linda’s daughter. I just wanted to take a moment and tell you my prayers are with you in these difficult moments.

  5. Nothing but wonderful memories of summer vacations, the ocean, boating, claming, flat fishing,(skip the bee bites), Loon Lake camping, boating again, building the camp. One of my engineering mentor uncles. Many great memories in this time of sadness.
    Uncle Gordon will be missed. With Love Always, John R.

  6. We are saddened by the loss of Gordon. Although we haven’t known you folks for long, we knew you both well enough to know that Gordon was a fine man and Gin, you are a fine lady and with the heaviest of heart we will pray for you and your family in the days to come.

    Gordon not being around the Marina will not be the same, but we have some fond memories of him and the pride he took in the things he did, the projects he seemed to enjoy, and the happiness he seemed to have when he was there. He seemed to get pleasure from being around the lake.

    Gordon being an engineer somewhat reminded me, especially of my father-in-law. Gordon always observed things around him. I would notice him watching how I would be doing something and he may have had an opinion or a better way, but the man he was, he would let me figure it out and never tell me how to do something unless I asked his opinion. I loved to get him going about something and hearing his genuine laugh and telling me that I was going to get him in trouble.

    Please let us know if there is anything that we can do for you and know that our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

    May God bless and comfort you.

  7. I am truly saddened by the passing of Gordon. We had a lot of really good times together at your homes and of course on the boat. To this date, whenever I see a Mainship I always recall our great cruises. We’ll all miss him dearly.

    with sincere condolences,
    paul

  8. Gin,
    We can’t tell you how sorry we were to hear about Gordon. We have always enjoyed our interactions with both of you over these last few years up at the lake. It just won’t be the same without looking forward to seeing Gordon’s friendly smile. Please know we are thinking about you and your family during this difficult time. Our hearts are heavy with sadness for you all.

  9. Dearest Knippel family, Gin and relatives and friends.

    Please accept our condolences on Gordon’s passing into eternal life. His room reserved in heaven is as perfect as he liked to see things done here on earth.
    We are goining to miss his ever present smile and loving personality.

    Be blessed and receive the peace from above.

    Love,

    Wayne and Leslie Giese
    Mt. Harbour Marina neighbors/friends

  10. Ginny-
    Words can’t express how sorry and shocked I am to hear of Gordon’s passing. He was a great man, and a great influence in the very short time I was able to spend with him. I certainly will miss Gordon’s wry smile and witty humor during our meetings. Please accept my most sincere condolences, and please know I am here if you need anything at all.

  11. Hi Gin, So sorry to hear of Gordon’s sudden passing. It was fun seeing you and Gordon up at Lake James. Could always depend on a good conversation and a couple of laughs. If you need or want to talk,please give us a holler.
    Kathleen and Gordon

  12. Dear Ging and Family: We are thinking of all of you every day, and wishing we were close enough to be of more help and comfort. It is hard for us to absorb the fact that Gordon’s easy smile and soft spoken personality will no longer be such a fundamental aspect of your daily lives. We know, of course, that in one very real sense his modest, humble character will always be part of who you are. Our memories work in wonderful ways … so his indelible smile will live on in your every day, and the person he was will leave many treasured imprints on each of you. You have so much to grieve … but so much more for which to be thankful. Though you have lived far away from us for many years, we still have many fond recollections of our occasional times together, and we will cherish those memories even as you cherish yours. We love you all.

  13. Dear Debbie,

    I’m sorry for your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

  14. Ginny, It makes me so sad to realize that Gordon is gone. I did not know him well, but it was obvious that he was a good man. I will pray for you.

    Mig French

  15. Dear Ging,
    Our lives together as a foursome began as we moved you into your first apartment. Bet it was the only time the police wanted to know what we were doing at that hour of the night. It seems like such a short time ago. Over the years all of our trips and vacations with you and Gordon will be remembered as the best.
    Our deepest sympathy and love to you and the rest of your family.
    Phyl and Jack

  16. Dear Deb, Mrs. Knippel & Cyndy,
    My thoughts are with all of you during this very difficult time.
    I have so many fond memories of your home in Stonington and the times I spent there – even getting caught smoking, trying to ‘fib’ our way out of it (parents were stupid back then) Deb, ‘The Dress’ I’ll never forget but you don’t remember – perhaps you do Mrs. Knippel?? Cyndy, as the little sister, you usually stayed out of our way, but sometimes created problems for us. Was that house really that big, or were we just little? Mr. Knippel quietly watching over all the goings on, Mrs. Knippel not so quietly! My first camping experience was with your family (in NY I think). Thanks for the memories and hope this puts a small smile on all of your faces.

  17. Family of Gordon, we are so sorry for your loss of such a dear man.We will remember his smile always.

  18. Gordon was my first supervisor in January 1966 at EB. I was a civil engineer and was suddenly in the world of mechanical/electrical engineering. Gordon was much help to me and very patient. Part of the work was visiting the shipyard to obain the details on construction problems and then running the problems through the design floor and engineering after checking to see if the S5G Site had the same problem. Gordon was most helpful in this area. At that time Gordon worked for Frank Rich who I see on occasion. Bob Holby was another engineer from Worster in the group. Bob still rides his bike around Groton Long Point at the age of 94. I lost track of Gordon as I went on to other engineering jobs within EB, the S8G site and then the shipard. On occasion I think about Gordon when I drive by his old house in Stonington and whenever I use a wrecking bar I make sure I hold one hand completly over the end I pull with so I do no smash up my face as I remember Gordon doing on one occasion.
    Fond thoughts of working for Gordon for at least two years at EB.
    Jack Sebastian

  19. Gordon was my first supervisor in January 1966 at EB. I was a civil engineer and was suddenly in the world of mechanical/electrical engineering. Gordon was much help to me and very patient. Part of the work was visiting the shipyard to obain the details on construction problems and then running the problems through the design floor and engineering after checking to see if the S5G Site had the same problem. Gordon was most helpful in this area. At that time Gordon worked for Frank Rich who I see on occasion. Bob Holby was another engineer from Worster in the group. Bob still rides his bike around Groton Long Point at the age of 94. I lost track of Gordon as I went on to other engineering jobs within EB, the S8G site and then the shipard. On occasion I think about Gordon when I drive by his old house in Stonington and whenever I use a wrecking bar I make sure I hold one hand completly over the end I pull with so I do no smash up my face as I remember Gordon doing on one occasion.
    Fond thoughts of working for Gordon for at least two years at EB.
    Jack Sebastian

  20. Gordon was a good and caring man and we are diminished by his passing. My deepest condolences to his family.

  21. I was sorry to read of Gordon’s sudden passing away, He was quite a gentleman. I worked with him at EB can’t remember how long. I retired in 1996.

    Wishing God’s comfort in your loss, Ginny and family.

  22. I am so sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing. I was just thinking of him the other day. He was a dear and caring person always concerned about others and always giving. He has left a void that will be very hard to fill. God go with him and the family.

  23. My wife & I extend our heartfelt condolences to Gordon’s family. I had the great experience & the privilege of working at EB under Gordon since April 1978 until he retired. He was a gentleman of great integrity, honesty and commitment. He also possessed a great sense of humor and was a pleasure to work with at ASME conferences and events.
    May God bless the family knowing that Gordon is at peace.

  24. Gordon was a great person. As a young engineer at EB, I was impressed by his knowledge and willingness to teach us. I closely worked with him and I learned about the ASME code. I will never forget his talent for writing upside down as I sat across his desk. Gordon may have passed on, but his spirit lives in all he touched.


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide