John J Knapp Jr February 8, 2016 April 20, 2016 John (Junie) J Knapp Jr John J Knapp Jr, 88, of Portland died on April 20, 2016. He was born on February 8, 1928 the son of John and Isabel (Strout) Knapp. John graduated from Portland High School in 1946. After graduation he joined the Army and served in the occupation army in Japan. When he was discharged from the Army John joined the National Guard. On September 22, 1950 John Married Helen Howell at The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception. He attended Gorham State Teachers College (now USM) and graduated with the class of 1952.He later went on to earn his Master's in Special Education at the University of Maine, Farmington. John was a dedicated elementary teacher who started his career in Bar Harbor, from there he transferred to the Farwell School in Lewiston, and then on to Portland, where he taught in several schools. John was baptized and received into the Catholic Church on May 2, 1991. The sacrament was administered by MSGR Peter Flanagan and Rev Robert E Lee, 2 friends for whom he had great affection and admiration. John was a member of the NTA, MTA, Portland Boys and Girls Club Alumni Association, Knights of Columbus, MSGR, Houlihan Council #2983, VFW Post 6859 and the Maine Historical Association. In retirement he was an enthusiastic Meals on Wheels volunteer, as well as the Salvation Army, the K of C Tootsie Roll drive, and the Togus Veterans Program. John was predeceased by his parents, 4 sisters; Polly Thompson, Louise Murphy, Charlotte Croteau, and Wilma Whitney; and a brother Irving Bartlett. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Helen (Howell) Knapp; their children John III and his partner Monica Strobel, David, Peter, Judy, and Kevin; as well as several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Cristian Burial will be celebrated on Monday April 25, 2016 at 11 AM at Saint Pius Catholic Church 492 Ocean Ave, Portland. Interment will follow at Old Calvary Cemetery South Portland. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in John's memory to: Boys and Girls Club of Portland 277 Cumberland Ave Portland, ME 04101