Richard M. Knafelc, age 74, of Cicero, NY passed away on Wednesday January 3, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Hospital with his wife at his side.

He was born in Lawyersville, NY on August 28, 1943, son of Frank and Josephine Knafelc. Richard was a tractor trailer driver for S.M. Flickingers in Syracuse for 28 years and retired from River Valley Frozen Foods in Baldwinsville, NY after 11years. He continued to work part-time at United Auto for 6 years and Bill Rapp Dealership until August 2017. He was a deacon and avid active member of many additional church activities at the North Syracuse Christian Church.

Richard was a dedicated father who loved his children and has touched many people during his lifetime. He could put a smile on anyone’s face and would do anything for anyone who asked or didn’t ask. He was a very unselfish man and loved by many. In his younger years, he was an avid softball player and on weekends he frequently would collect all the neighborhood kids and take them to the park and play ball, hide ‘n seek at night and go fishing. He would travel frequently to Oklahoma and Texas to visit his sister and in-laws.

Richard is survived by his wife of 52 years, Phyllis A. Knafelc, children; John Knafelc, Sr. (Tammy Bozic), Teddy (Lori) Knafelc, Jimmy (Kimberly) Knafelc, Wanda Knafelc (Harrison Helmer), Scott (Rebecca) Knafelc; 16 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sisters; Josephine Palmer, Pauline Balcerak, Betty Downing, Margaret Prosser, brother; Frank Knafelc and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his mother, father, two brothers Gerald and Gary; two sisters Linda Littau and Carol O’Rourke.

Visitations will be held on Monday January 8, 2018 from 2-4pm at North Syracuse Christian Church, 911 Church St., with services to follow at 4pm at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please make donation to North Syracuse Christian Church.

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