Laverne E. "Ed" Knapp II Obituary (1958 - 2019)

Laverne Edward Knapp II Lowman, NY On Tuesday, May 21, 2019, Laverne Edward Knapp II (Ed) passed away unexpectedly at the age of 60. Ed was born December 6,1958, in Elmira, N.Y., to the late Laverne Edward Knapp I and Anna L. Knapp (Taylor). He is also predeceased by his sisters Diane Evans, Deborah J. Golightly and Mary L. Austin; brother-in-law Robert Austin; nephew Dwayne Evans; several aunts and uncles; his canine companion Clancey and feline companion Codo. He is survived by his fiance of 12 years, Yvonne Palmer; daughter Jennifer Knapp; stepdaughter Jean Palmer (Chris Miller); stepson James (Amanda) Palmer; sisters Barbara Doane, Patricia (Allen) Sick; twin sister Lori (John) Roupp; Michelle (Joe) McGovern; aunts and uncle Ida Knapp, Carol Knapp and Bruce and Rita Geray; several cousins, nieces and nephews; and his feline companions Podo and Gizmo. Ed served in the U.S. Army and was a volunteer firefighter. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for several years. Ed had a passion for working with his hands and building things, which he learned from his dad. He used that talent to create for those he loved, as well as using it to work several construction jobs over the years.Ed would help anyone who needed it, and from his death, Ed's spirit will continue on through his gift of life.Ed loved life and all of the friends he made at O'Ryan's and JD's Tavern. The family would like to thank Ed's friend Stephen Bahantka and the caring, compassionate nurses and doctors at Arnot Medical Center and Strong Memorial Hospital. A celebration of Ed's life will take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at O'Ryan's Sports Bar and Grill at 159 Prescott Ave., Elmira Heights, N.Y. 14903.