Daniel F. Knittle, a member of the Lycoming Law Association, died  June 21, 1972. 

Read the memorial resolutions:

In The Court of Common Pleas of Lycoming County No. 72-

In The Matter of The Death of Daniel F. Knittle

To The Honorable, The Judges of The Court of Common Pleas of Lycoming County:

Pursuant to the Order of this Court, the appointed committee has met and prepared resolutions, herein set forth and respectfully submitted:

Daniel F. Knittle was born July 7, 1921 at Beaver Meadows, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, a son of the Rev. and Mrs. Ralph Knittle. He attended Dickinson Junior College, graduating in 1943. He continued his education at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and the Dickinson School of Law, and was graduated in 1948 with the Degree of Bachelor of Laws.

During World War II he was a pilot in the United States Naval Air Force and served with the Squadron P.B.Y.’s engaged in tactical search and rescue operations.

He began his legal career as a Clerk with Clyde E. Williamson, but completed his Clerkship with The Honorable Charles F. Greevy. He was admitted to the practice of law on December 27, 1948 and at the time of his death was a partner in the law firm of Greevy, Knittle & Mitchell.

In 1948 he joined the law firm of Greevy & Greevy and subsequently became a partner in the firm known as Greevy, Greevy & Knittle. During his career he was a law partner with Dean R. Fisher, Walter R. Rice, Jr., and more recently with J. Neafie Mitchell.

Dan and Lester L. Greevy practiced law continuously together from the time Dan was admitted to practice, and for substantially all of that period of time they were law partners.

Dan is survived by his wife, the former Joyce Kelchner, and five children: Mrs. Barbara K. Morrone, Lois Jean, Nancy June, Daniel Marc, and Tammy Jo Knittle.

He was a member of the Calvary United Methodist Church, Catawissa Lodge No. 349 F. & A. M. of Pa., The Williamsport Consistory, Irem Temple, The Grays Run Hunting and Fishing Club, The Williamsport Wheel Club, and was an Honorary Life Member of the Edgar A. Still Lodge No. 207 of Elks, and a member of the Lycoming and Emery Bridge Clubs.

Dan was a member of the Lycoming Law Association and served as its Secretary and a member of the Executive Committee. He was also a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the American Bar Association. He was admitted to practice before the Several Courts of Lycoming County, the Commonwealth Court, the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and the United States Circuit Court for the Third Circuit.

During his legal career, he was a first Assistant District Attorney of Lycoming County under Markin Knight. He also served as a member of the American Arbitration Association and was a Director of the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association. He had a vital interest in local government and served as Chairman of the Williamsport Charter Commission.

Dan’s ability as a lawyer, especially as a trial lawyer, became apparent very early in his career and was known to the bench and bar throughout the state. His many spectacular successes attest to that ability. Dan was never without a cause. Although many times the cause was unpopular or controversial, this did not dim his enthusiasm nor dissuade him from giving it his wholehearted support and effort. The underdog always had a champion in Dan.

His sudden and untimely death on Wednesday, June 21, 1972, has deeply stirred the hearts and minds of his colleagues and his many friends from all walks of life. He was a man of numerous and unusual capabilities, but most of us will remember his keen analytical mind which quickly found the solution to a seemingly impossible problem.

We, therefore, offer the following Resolution for adoption as part of the Minutes of this Court:

“BE IT RESOLVED that on the death of Daniel F. Knittle the bar of Lycoming County has lost a most able lawyer; the community, an involved citizen; his colleagues, a devoted friend; and his family, a loving member.

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread at length upon the Minutes of this Court and that a copy thereof be sent to Mrs. Daniel F. Knittle and the children.”

All of which is respectfully submitted,

Lester L. Greevy
J. Neafie Mitchell
Dean R. Fisher
Martin M. Pollock
John C. Youngman
Michael J. Casale
John P. Campana
Markin R. Knight
T. Max Hall