Mr. Otto Anton Knapp

VERO BEACH, FL/ UTICA, NY – Mr. Otto Anton Knapp, age 92, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Born in Baienfurt, Germany, on July 24, 1932, Otto was the son of the late Otto and Maria (Senser) Knapp. He was raised during WWII and helped farmers during school holidays in exchange for food to help support his family. Toward the end of the war, the German Army recruited boys as young as 14; fortunately for Otto, he was only 13 at the time and was not eligible to join the forces. Right after the war ended the little dare devil managed to get on a supply train that was stuck in Baienfurt to get and bring home necessities such as food and shoes. (It was absolutely forbidden to take things out of these trains and therefore quite dangerous). One of his family’s favorite stories, which Otto often told and brought much laughter, was that he only brought home left shoes. Otto had to leave school between the ages of 15 and 16 in order to earn money to help his family, who, like most families during the post-war period, were struggling financially. He began an apprenticeship as a locksmith in Weingarten and later worked in Stuttgart for a few years. Otto eventually returned to Weingarten where he was employed by the Machine Factory Weingarten (the later Mueller Weingarten Corporation). The company later sent Otto to work in the United States when he was in his 30s to manage their operations here. His strong work ethic and dedication led him to rise to the position Vice President and board member of the Mueller Weingarten Corporation. On January 15, 1972, in NY Mills, Otto united in marriage with the love of his life, the former Michelina “Mickey” Graziano. The couple shared nearly 42 years together prior to Mickey's passing on February 26, 2014. Otto and Mickey had been residents of Vero Beach, FL, since March of 1994. There, Otto became an avid golfer and made a hole-in-one at Sandridge Golf Club on November 12, 2002 - an accomplishment of which he was extremely proud. Until just a few years ago, Otto returned to Germany every summer to meet with family and friends. Otto is survived by his sisters, Erika (the late Ewald Dausch), and Annelie (the late Peter Unruhe); brother-in-law, Frank Graziano (the late Jennie Grace “Jane” Graziano) and 22 nieces and nephews in Germany and the U.S. He was predeceased by his sister, Rosemarie and her husband Paul Straessle; brother, Rudi and his wife Gerda; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Josephine “Jo” and Donald L. “Don” Mark, and Rose and Morton Setrin. In addition to his family, Otto is survived by his beloved companion, Renate “Nati” Cropper, who brought him immense joy and companionship over the past 10 years. Family and friends in Vero Beach will join in a private Celebration of Life at Quail Valley River Club in March. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Otto’s Memorial Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave., Utica, NY. Inurnment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Otto Anton Knapp

July 24, 1932 - January 18, 2025