Shrewsbury – Capt. Kenneth L. Kniskern, US Navy (Ret) died peacefully Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013 at the Knollwood Nursing Center, Worcester. He was 87.
He was born in Worcester in 1925 and was a long-time resident of Shrewsbury. He graduated from Classical High School of Worcester in 1944 and from Massachusetts Maritime Academy as an ensign in 1945. From 1945 to 1948, he was employed by United States Lines. During that time, he also raised his Coast Guard license from 3rd Mate to Master of Steam and Motor Vessels. In 1953, he earned his BS degree in Seamanship and Navigation.
After spending a year at Northeastern University in a pre-legal course, the attraction of the sea lured him to apply for active duty with the U. S. Navy. During his 26-year career in the Navy, he achieved the rank of captain in 1968 and also served in the Korean War. Capt. Kniskern retired from the Navy in May 1972.
He then went to work for Yankee Atomic Electric Co. as Security Advisor for three nuclear power plants. Capt. Kniskern also served as Chairman of the Northeast Nuclear Security Group and of the Utilities Committee for the American Society for Industrial Security.
In 1986, he joined Shrewsbury Rotary and served as president from 1991 to 1992. He served as one of Rotary District 7910 Governor's Representatives in 1995 and a Trustee of that District in 1996. As a Paul Harris Fellow, he attended Rotary International meetings in Australia, France, and Scotland.
He was also involved with Medina Temple in Chicago, Worcester Shriners Club, Alethia Grotto and the Matthew John Whitall Lodge of Masons in Shrewsbury.
In 2011, Capt. Kniskern was selected to be Grand Marshall of the Shrewsbury Fall Festival Parade. He was a member of the Shrewsbury First Congregational Church for 39 years.
He leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Marion (Hill) Kniskern; his four children, Susan Lewis and her husband Richard of Henniker, N.H., Janet Dexter and her husband Frederick of Northborough, Amy Lenardson and her husband Charles of Shrewsbury, and Jon Kniskern and his wife Crystal of Stoughton; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister, Dorothy Christakis.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Kniskern family Wednesday, Aug. 7, from 6 to 8 p.m., in the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main St., Shrewsbury. A Masonic service will be held at 7:15 p.m. His funeral will be celebrated Thursday, Aug. 9, with a funeral service at 10 a.m. in the First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury, 19 Church Rd., Shrewsbury. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be sent to Salem Community Corp. for Briarwood Residents Assistance (BRAF), 65 Briarwood Cir., Worcester, MA 01606.
To leave a message of condolence for the family or view the Book of Memories, please visit www.brittonfuneralhomes.com.
