Walter Arnold Knapp, Jr., known by family and friends as Wally or Butch, passed away on the evening of December 14, 2022, while in his favorite chair. He was 73 years old. Wally was born and raised in Wickliffe, OH, and was a longtime resident of Willoughby, OH at the time of his passing. He was a retired fire chief for Willoughby Hills Fire Dept. and a U.S. Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War.

He loved "A Christmas Story", classic cars, NASCAR, and reading books. Wally was known to read long books while drinking a pot of coffee and relaxing in his chair. He did, however, hate the cold, bitter, Ohio winters.

Wally is survived by his wife Sandi Knapp (nee Dodaro); children, Walter Knapp (Jason) and Shelley Godec (Nick); stepchildren, Rebecca Hannen (Matt), Nicole Gruden (Craig) and Heather McWhirt (Jim); grandchildren, Alexander, Nickolas, Dominic, Rosalynd, Vivienne, and Josie; sister, Barbara Marvin (Karl).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter, Sr. and Mildred Knapp; brothers, Samuel, Joseph, James and sister, Rosemarie.

A memorial service will be held for family and friends at the First Presbyterian Church of Willoughby 4785 Shankland Rd., Willoughby, where Wally was a longtime member, on Tuesday, December 20th at 4:00 p.m. where a Celebration of Life will be held following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to either St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Shriners Hospitals for Children 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.

Arrangements by Orlando-Donsante-Previte Funeral Home of Wickliffe (440) 943-2466.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: https://www.stjude.org/

Shriners Children's Hospital
P.O. BOX 947765, Atlanta OH 30394
Tel: 1-855-401-4897
Email: donorrelations@shrinenet.org
Web: https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en