After a brief and unexpected illness, John Ernest Knodel, 87, of Lake Mary, Florida peacefully passed away in hospice care on Monday, March 26, 2018. He is survived by his only child, Cheryl Knodel of Lake Mary, FL, his sisters, Betty Jane Davenport of Lakewood, NJ and Julie Franchino of Nutley, N J. He was the beloved uncle and "second father" to his nieces and nephews across the country from New Jersey to the west coast and a dear friend to countless individuals from all walks of life.
Upon graduating from high school, John served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves at Camp Lejeune during the Korean War until he sustained an injury during training. Although he rarely spoke of his time as a reservist, John possessed the grit of a Marine until his passing. Semper Fi!
Originally from Belleville, NJ, John and his family moved to Florida in 1974 where he worked as the Market Development Manager for Niagara Lockport Industries and in the paper mill industry for over 45 years. Retiring in Panama City Beach, Florida, John was actively involved in his church, Gulf Beach Presbyterian Church (a.k.a., the little pink church on the beach), as an Elder and was a longtime standing member of the Optimist Club of the Beaches. John served as the Club's President and North Florida District's Lt. Governor.
Shortly after the 9/11 attacks, John and his faithful companion Cutter (a retired Navy drug sniffing golden retriever) relocated to Central Florida to be with his daughter. It was time to be with family. Over the past 16 years John and his daughter shared many adventures, laughter, and nightly meals together, and rescued five other golden retrievers including the current rescues, Pumpkin and Charlie.
John will be missed by his family and friends but are comforted to know John is no longer in pain and suffering.
In lieu of flowers, donations accepted for John's favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. A memorial fund has been established in his name. www.stjude.org


Arrangements are entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory, 905 Laurel Avenue Sanford, Florida 32771, 407-695-CARE(2273).