Terry Knobel

R. Terry Knobel, 74, of North Syracuse, NY, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday night, August 2, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Terry was born August 13, 1947 in East Syracuse and was the eldest son of the late Erma and Fred Knobel, who are awaiting his reunion.

Terry was a retiree of the Teamsters Union (and Union Steward for many years) where he worked very long hours for Table Talk Pies and Wonder/Hostess for 36 years prior to his retirement. After retirement, Terry tried to stay home, but his need to keep busy, see and talk to people brought him back into the workforce where he became a substitute bus driver for the NSCSD with Daughter #2, driving the sports shuttle every afternoon for over a decade, until he physically couldn't anymore.

An avid sports enthusiast, Terry bowled weekly with Susan in many leagues early in their marriage, and they even played softball together for a short time. Terry played slow-pitch softball with an ebb and flow of various players for decades on Tuesday nights. Later in life, Terry joined 4Fs fishing club with his lifelong friend, Lee. Terry enjoyed watching the NY Yankees, the Cleveland Browns (he couldn't be talked out of it), fishing from his boat, puttering around at "camp", and was an incredible handyman or "Roustabout Rick" as Sue would kiddingly refer to him from her "Watch Him Work" chair. Terry also enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren all he knew as often as he could whenever they needed help with something whether it be a water heater, building a bookshelf, math homework, etc.. He also enjoyed talking to all the "little old ladies" at craft shows where he assisted Sue in selling her sewn creations for many years prior to covid. What he enjoyed most and gave his life the most joy was spending time with and watching his grandsons in their various hobbies and sports. Being Grandpa was the most important part of Terry's life.

Terry is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 51 years, Susan Knobel (formerly Susan Shavalier). Terry and Sue have often been referred to as the perfect couple by those who have known them well, like peanut butter and jelly; children, Lizabeth, Brooke (Gregory Beechner), and Jessica; grandsons, Joseph Kozubowski and Jay Gristwood; siblings Mark (Ann Zelinski), Jonathan (Marcia Knobel), and Joyce Mosher; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his best four-legged friend, Thor.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, August 9th from 4-7 pm at New Comer Cremations and Funerals where everyone can honor Terry together.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to NAVAC or any charity of choice in Terry's memory.

To leave a message for Terry's family, or to share a special memory of Terry, visit the guestbook below.