NAPA –
Frank H. Kneeland passed away at 85 on May 26, 2007, after a short battle with cancer. Frank was born in Belfast, Maine, on Aug. 2, 1921.
He enlisted in the Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet in May of 1942 — then became an aerial navigator and flew 40 combat missions in B-24 bombers in the Central Pacific Theater. Frank reached the rank of captain and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal and six Oak Leaf Clusters before being discharged in November of 1946. He then flew for one year as navigator for the Flying Tiger Airline from California to Japan.
Frank married Helen Courtney in March of 1943 and had three sons, Tom, Ken and Paul. The family moved to Napa in August of 1947, and Frank started his career in the life insurance business with Penn Mutual, which he continued for 42 years before retiring in 1990. Helen Kneeland passed away in 1988, and Frank married Katie Gallagher Mufich in 1989. Katie passed away in April 2005.
Frank’s hobbies were fishing, hunting, gardening, traveling and bowling. He was a member of several organizations, including the Moose Lodge, the Elks Club and St. Apollinaris Church.
Frank is survived by sons Tom Kneeland of Monterey, Ken Kneeland of Merino, Colo., and Paul Kneeland of Colfax; as well as grandchildren Jim Kneeland and Ronnie Gedatus; and great-grandchildren Elliot and Josie Kneeland.
There will be a memorial celebration of Frank’s life at the Moose Lodge, 3245 Browns Valley Road in Napa on Saturday, June 9, 2 to 5 p.m. Food and drink will be served, casual attire is recommended. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ducks Unlimited or the charity of your choice.