Marlborough - Retired Worcester Police Officer Peter J. Kneeland, 62, formerly of Oxford, passed away on Sunday, October 7th, 2012 at Kindred Healthcare as a result of injuries sustained from a 1991 accident in which he was the victim of a hit and run drunk driver while he was on duty.
He was born at West Point, New York to the late Paul M. and Susan (Tirella) Kneeland. He is predeceased by his brother Paul D. Kneeland. He leaves his brother Timothy M. Kneeland of Worcester, and his sisters, Susan Carrigan and her husband Thomas of Northborough and Kathleen DelloStritto and her husband Giovanni of Worcester, as well as several nieces and nephews. He also leaves a daughter Erica Rose and her husband Michael of Leicester, and their daughters Jillian and Caitlin, and a son Peter S. Kneeland. In addition he leaves Paul Kabinsky of Worcester, who has been a caretaker of Peter for many years and had been like a brother to him.
Peter graduated from North High School, Quinsigamond College, and Worcester State University. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was a Worcester Police Officer for fourteen years before he was stricken.
Prior to his accident Peter enjoyed a full life dedicated to his family. He was a devoted son and brother and adored his children. He loved laughter and had a terrific sense of humor that was only outweighed by his generosity of spirit and his love of the race track.
The family would like to extend special gratitude to nurse practitioner Laurel Ginder and respiratory therapist Bonnie Kenney for their compassionate treatment of Peter while he was at Kindred. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Philip Cohen and the nursing staff of UMass/Memorial SICU and CCU for the extraordinary care they took of Peter during his many hospitalizations. Peter was very proud to be a member of the Worcester Police force, and his family is appreciative of their steadfast support of Peter throughout the years.
A private funeral mass was held on October 9th at St. Paul's Cathedral with interment at St. John's Cemetery. Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street, Worcester, handled the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Shriner's Hospital for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104.
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