William Michael Knopick, age 85, of Indiana, PA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 11, 2023. Bill was born July 29, 1937 in Iselin, PA. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Anna (Marafka) Knopick. He is also preceded in death by his first wife of 38 years, Martha (Parchinsky) and his second wife of 7 years Cheryl (Rayko).
Bill was a graduate of Elders Ridge High School and the American University in Washington, DC. He played the drums for “The Stags” polka band before joining the army, where he was stationed at Ft. Story, VA. He was in the Secret Service and worked at the White House for many years, from President Johnson through President Clinton. By the time he retired from the Secret Service, he had achieved the rank of Captain. He loved trout fishing, polka dancing, and traveling. Bill was a member of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church in Indiana, PA, where he often attended mass daily. He will be remembered as a friendly, kind, and religious man.
Bill leaves behind three sisters: Eileen M. Knopick of Derry Twp., PA. Evelyn Turk (James) of Saltsburg, PA, and Jean McHenry of Iselin, PA. Nieces and nephews include Bradley (Corinne), Jill, Leslie, Betsy, Edward (Melanie), James, Steven, Joanna, Barbara, Nick; sisters-in-law, Bertha Mulvahill and Kay Parchinsky; aunt Nellie Knopick; and many cousins. Step-children include Heather, Holly (Bill), and Michael (Amber). Step-grandchildren include Garrett, Carter, and Hunter.
His sister Dorothy Parchinsky passed away 2 days after Bill on May 13.
Visitation will be held jointly with his sister’s visitation, Dorothy Parchinsky, on Friday, May 19th from 2 to 7 PM at the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home & Crematory, 965 Philadelphia St., Indiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday morning at 10:30 AM at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church, Indiana. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your local American Legion or VFW, or St. Bernard of Clairvaux: 200 Clairvaux Dr. Indiana, PA 15701
Online condolences may be offered at: www.rbfh.net .
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