Thomas G. “Tom” Knoll

Thomas G. “Tom” Knoll, 85, of Chicora, passed away unexpectedly Thursday afternoon, December 26, 2024 at his home.
Thomas was born in Rattigan, Donegal Twp. on February 17, 1939. He was the son of the late Francis “Frank” and Mary Alice Black Knoll.
He was a 1957 graduate of Chicora High School and was a life-long member of Mater Dolorosa Roman Catholic Church in Chicora. Tom had been employed for many years at Pullman Standard in Butler and was later self-employed as the owner/operator of Thomas Knoll Well Service in Chicora. Tom served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was a Fairview Twp. Supervisor for more than 40 years and was currently serving as Fairview Township’s representative to the Chicora Borough Sewer Authority. Tom enjoyed pumping his wells, hunting, driving around the area, especially Rattigan, talking and visiting with people, and going for breakfast at area restaurants. Tom was affectionately “Grandpap” to his three grandkids who were the light of his life. He faithfully attended their activities and enjoyed conversing with them to impart some “old school therapy.” However, the grandkids often referred to it as “goofy old sayings.”
Tom is survived by his wife, Antoinette L. “Toni” Zana Knoll, whom he married at St. Catherine Roman Catholic Church in Leechburg on April 12, 1969. Also surviving are two children, Mark Knoll and his wife, Brenda, of Chicora and Tracy Traggiai and her husband, Donovan, of Butler; three grandchildren, Hannah Knoll, Marissa and Addyson Traggiai; a brother, Rev. Lester Knoll, OFM Cap., of Pittsburgh; two sisters, Bernie Huefner of Franklin and Donna “Betty” Neff of Butler; two sisters-in-law, Patricia Knoll of Butler and Ann Marie Knoll of Chicora, as well as a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Donald, John, and Rev. Charles Knoll, his sisters, Agnes Pfaff, Mary Geibel, Monica Glynn, Rita Barnhart, and an infant brother.
Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora, 339 Chicora Fenelton Rd., Chicora, from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. Monday. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Mater Dolorosa Roman Catholic Church, Chicora with the Rev. Matt McClain, church pastor, officiating. Private interment will be in Hillview Cemetery in the Village of Kepple’s Corners. Memorial contributions may be made to The Chicora Volunteer Fire Dept., Drawer F, Chicora, PA 16025. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hile.com.