Daniel Edward Knopf, 77, of Addison (Rathbone), N.Y., died on February 16, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Bridgeport on February 5, 1940, he was the son of the late Edward and Dora Ward Knopf.

Mr Knopf was a 1958 graduate of Newtown High School. He married the love of his life, Margaret "Peggy" Thornfeldt, on June, 24, 1961, and they lived in Newtown for three and a half years.

He was a proud member of the Connecticut National Guard, serving from April 1962 to March 1968 and attained the rank of staff sergeant. He worked in the aerospace field for 26 years as a lab technician for quality control for Aero Gasket in Meriden. He operated his own construction business in Rathbone for 15 years. He was a licensed pastor for 13 years and worked building homes for Habitat For Humanity.

Mr Knopf's wife of 55 years, Peggy; his three children and their spouses, Michael and Kathy Knopf of Rathbone, David and Vicki Knopf of Salem, Conn., and Krista and Tom Armentano of Painted Post, N.Y.; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his brother and wife, Richard and Zina Knopf of Stratford; and several nieces and nephews survive him.

Mr Knopf's funeral services were conducted February 21, with burial in Angel's Gate at Button Hill Farm in Rathbone.

Memorials donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org.