Edward T. Knizewski passed away Sunday, November 22, 2020 of natural causes. He was 89. His latest residence was Aegis Lodge Assisted Living, Kirkland, WA.
Ed was born on Oct 12th, 1931 in Utica, N.Y. to Teodore and Julia Knizewski. The family moved shortly after his birth to New York City. Ed was raised on Brown Ave, Bronx, N.Y.
He graduated in 1950 from James Monroe High School and enlisted in the Marine Corps. He graduated from basic training in July of 1950 as an expert marksman, a distinction he retained into his later life. After 2 years of active duty service at the Naval Gun Factory in Washington, DC, Ed returned to the Bronx and started a long career as a Repairman with the American Telephone and Telegraph Co. He spent over 10 years working in mid town Manhattan, walking to service calls, carrying a tool bag. He was a life long member of the Communications Workers of America.
Ed married Rita Anne Maguire in 1955 and moved to Port Washington, N.Y. to raise what would eventually be 5 children there. AT&T transferred him to Long Island where he continued as a communications expert in both residential and commercial phone systems. He also remained a member of the Marine Corps Reserves as part of the Electronic Maintenance Company, 4th Maintenance Bn, 4th Marine Division for 35 years. The Marine Corps, its culture, and his friends there, remained a life-long passion. He rose to the highest enlisted rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant.
Ed’s family were his priority and he was active in his community on their behalf. Among his affiliations were: Our Lady of Fatima Holy Name Society, Manhasset Bay Sportsman’s Club, Port Washington’s Police Auxiliary, The Boy and Girl Scouts of America, The Elk’s Lodge, Roslyn Boat Club, and the Marine Corps League.
Ed volunteered regularly, setting up lights and sound for both the church annual festivals and high school graduations, teaching gun safety at the MBSC shooting range, and assisting with many Scouting field trips. He also spent a significant amount of time shuttling all of his children to and from school, sports and social events.
His later years were spent in Jupiter Fl, where he enjoyed the warm sunshine, a view of the inlet and the occasional cold cocktail by the pool.
His easy laugh and good sense of humor were always in evidence. He surrounded himself with good friends and neighbors who were always ready for a practical joke or a good story.
His weekend breakfasts were legendary.
He led a full life, and will be sorely missed.
Semper Fidelis!
Ed is survived by Rita Ann Knizewski, of Madbury, NH; their five children, Joseph, Edward C., Marianne, Julianne, and Ritamarie and their spouses as well as 10 grandchildren. His longtime partner in his later years, Eileen Peterson predeceased him in 2014.
Donations can be made to the Marine Toys For Tots Foundation at Toysfortots.org, in memory of Master Gunnery Sgt Edward T. Knizewski
