William G. Knips

William G. “Billy” “Pops” Knips, age 74, of Swansea, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at Charlton Memorial Hospital. He was the devoted husband of Barbara (Stahl) Knips, with whom he shared 47 years of marriage.

Born in Flushing, NY, Billy was the son of the late Emil and Mary (McCabe) Knips. A proud Veteran of the United States Air Force, he served during the Vietnam War. Billy went on to work as a Telephone Technician for 42 years with the former Bell South, now AT&T, before retiring.

Billy was a passionate outdoorsman, enjoying activities such as fishing, canoeing, skiing, kayaking, flying kites, birding and gardening. He was also an avid photographer who appreciated a good conversation. He had a gift for storytelling and was the king of dad jokes. A master of balancing tricks, Billy would show off his talent by riding the unicycle and bongo board. Above all, Billy cherished the time spent with his grandchildren, who were the light of his life.

Along with his wife, he is survived by his sons: Michael Knips and his wife Tina of Barrington, RI and Matty Knips and his wife Sophie of Bradenton, FL; his grandchildren: Keelyn “Kiki”, Delaney “Laney”, Ziggy and Ollie; his siblings: Maryanne Hurtado of Jacksonville, FL, Cathy Knips of Hillsboro Beach, FL, Jimmy Knips of Washingtonville, NY, Peggy Trela of Long Beach, NY, Dottie Fishburn of Fort Myers, FL and Eileen Knips of Fort Myers, FL as well as many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Emil, John and Frankie Knips, Anne Olson and Barbara Estes.

His interment will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 1:30 PM in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Ave., Bourne, MA. Relatives and friends are invited. Arrangements are in the care of Waring-Sullivan Home at Birchcrest, Swansea.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Billy’s name can be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.