Roy A. Kneipfer

11/11/2005

Roy A. Kneipfer, 87, of West Road died Friday evening, Nov. 11, at Laurel Lake Center in Lee. Born in Adams on July 18, 1918, son of Arthur and Freida Haase Kneipfer, he attended schools in Adams. Mr. Kneipfer was the owner of the former Kneipfer's Tire and Battery Shop on Spring Street. It was one of the first stores in northern Berkshire County to sell and repair bicycles. He closed the business in 1964. He was a member and deacon of First Congregational Church, where he was a member of its prudential committee and choir; he also served as chairman of its finance committee. He was a member of Alert Hose Company since 1959, and, in 1962, he was elected its foreman. He was also a member of the Adams Lodge 1335 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Berkshire Lodge of Masons. He and his wife, the former Dena Delmolino, were married July 20, 1940. She died March 9, 2003. He leaves a son, Ronald Kneipfer of Narragansett, R.I.; a daughter, Karen Rousseau of Hinsdale, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. FUNERAL NOTICE -- Funeral services for Roy Kneipfer, who died Friday, Nov. 11, 2005, will be private, to be followed by burial in Bellevue Cemetery in Adams. There are no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made to the Alert Hose Company through AUGÃ©-PACIOREK-SIMMONS Funeral Home, 13 Hoosac St., Adams, MA 01220, which is in charge of arrangements. To leave a message of condolence, go online to www.apsfuneralhome.com. Kneipfer's Tire and Battery, which was formerly owned by Roy Kneipfer's uncle, was one of the first establishments in northern Berkshire County to cater to the needs of the new horseless carriage. Because of his expertise and joking manner, he became known throughout the town as the man who fixes bikes, many times saying, "No charge." He would often close his business to run to the firehouse in order to save lives. He will be remembered for his gregarious spirit, quick wit, exceptional ballroom dancing with his wife, joking with his grandsons, and putting his family first every day of his life. He also leaves a daughter-in-law, Virginia Kneipfer; a son-in-law, Tony Rousseau; four grandchildren, Jeff and Eric Kneipfer, and Chris and Scott Rousseau; two granddaughters-in-law, Lesley Kneipfer and Maryellen Rousseau, and four great-grandchildren, Amanda, Emily and Abby Kneipfer, and Bethany Rousseau.

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