George H. Knittel

SHIRLEY: George H. Knittel, 88, former long-time Shirley resident, died Saturday, March 12, 2022 at the home of his daughter in Westminster. George leaves his children, Bridget Atkinson of Ashburn, VA, James Knittel of Groton, Maggie Porpora of Westminster, Matthew Knittel, of Mechanicsburg, PA and Timothy Knittel of Groton. George was predeceased by his wife, Mary. C. (O’Shea) Knittel in February of last year and, many years ago, his son, George Michael Knittel. They celebrated 61 years of marriage together. George was born in Brooklyn, NY, February 23, 1934, a son of George and Margaret Anna Knittel (Machold) and was educated at Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute where he received his PhD degree in electrical engineering. He has resided in Shirley for nearly 50 years. Post WWII George served his country in the United States Army in Germany. After teaching briefly at Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute, George went to work for MIT- Lincoln Laboratories in Lexington, retiring in 2000. George was a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and had served on the Shirley School Committee and for many years served as the Shirley Town Moderator. He was a licensed airplane pilot and enjoyed working in his garden. When you passed the Shirley Center house George was always out in the yard working and ready to talk or give someone directions. His flowers in his front garden were the envy of all – red tulips, mums, petunias. He attended St. Anthony’s Church in Shirley where he served as a lector and was also involved with Pepperell Christian Fellowship. George was a spiritual rock to his family. He believed that God had a place and purpose in all of our lives and he lived it. He shared his message with all. He loved to hike, travel, and spend time with family. Places he liked to visit were Kwajalein, Moosehead Lake, road trips out west, Delaware beaches and around the world with Mary. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Saturday, March 19, 2022 from 2-5 PM at Anderson Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Road, (Rte. 2A) Ayer. George will be privately laid to rest at Shirley Center Cemetery in Shirley in the spring. Donations can be made to St Jude’ Children’s Hospital to support cancer research and support for families. For directions or to place an online condolence, please visit www.andersonfuneral.com.

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George H. Knittel

February 23, 1934 - March 12, 2022