Richard B. Knowles

Richard B. Knowles Sr., 87, of Plattsburgh, passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2024 at the UVM Medical Center in Burlington, Vermont. He was born on May 21, 1936, the son of Robert and Hilda Knowles in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Dick graduated from Ipswich High School in 1954 and after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served his country for thirteen years working primarily as a member of the base security, K-9 patrol at Plattsburgh Air Force Base. After leaving the military, he worked at various car dealerships in the greater Plattsburgh area selling new and used cars as a salesman and sales manager until his retirement. He was an avid sports fan who often worked behind the scenes to encourage and promote local athletics. He was a founding member of the Plattsburgh High School hockey booster club which supported and funded the beginning of the hockey program at PHS. Dick served as a board member for numerous youth hockey and baseball organizations in Clinton County and he was the New York American Legion District IV baseball representative for several years. As a Massachusetts native, he was a life-long supporter of the Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics and Patriots and he enjoyed action-packed nights at the Airborne Speedway and the Stafford Ice Arena rooting for the Plattsburgh State Cardinals. He was a proud American and veteran who participated in North Country Honor Flight number 36 in May, 2022. Dick thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his beloved family, which meant more to him than anything else in life. He was a generous and devoted family-man who loved and cared for all who entered his life, especially his wife Gerry. He traveled thousands of miles supporting his children and grandchildren in their artistic and athletic endeavors and was a familiar face around the rinks and ball fields of the area. Family vacations brought him back home to Ipswich where he enjoyed time on the ocean and at the family camp. He was a tremendous cook and enjoyed having family and friends around his table. Warm summer evenings were often spent on the front porch with his wife by his side or down by the lake watching the boats while enjoying an ice cream. Family game time, whether it be cards, croquet, horseshoes or corn hole, was always something he looked forward to. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Geraldine and their children Rob Knowles (Nicole) and Rebecca Dreher (Matt). His grandchildren Robby Knowles (Rosy), Ryan and Drew Knowles and Morgan and Gavin Dreher. He is also survived by a sister Eleanor Knowles and daughter-in-law Lisa Knowles. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Janice Knowles and his son Richard Knowles Jr. Calling hours will be on Friday, February 16th from 3:00-6:00 pm at the Brown Funeral Home, Plattsburgh. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, February 17th at 10:00am at St. Peter’s Church. Burial will be in the parish cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick’s name may be made to the North Country Honor Flight or the Saranac Hockey booster club. Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com