Kenneth W. Knowles, 85, of New Bedford died October 28, 2008 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital after a brief illness.
He was the husband of Muriel I. (Loranger) Knowles with whom he shared 59 years of marriage.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late William and Mary (Przybyla) Knowles, he lived in New Bedford all of his life.
Mr. Knowles was a communicant of St. Mary's Church in New Bedford.
He was the proprietor of K.W. Knowles Equipment and Supply, Inc. for many years until retirement.
He was a graduate of New Bedford High School, class of 1942 where he was the quarterback and co-captain of the 1941 undefeated State Champion football team. Mr. Knowles later played semi-pro football with the New Bedford Whalers. He was inducted into the New Bedford High School Gridiron Hall of Fame in 1984. He attended Dean Academy and the University of Rhode Island.
Mr. Knowles served in the U.S. Navy Patrol Bomber Squadron VPB 101 aboard a B-24 serving as a top gunner and radioman. He was the recipient of the Air Medal, American Theater Campaign Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon with 4 Bronze Service Stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Air Crew Insignia Medal with 3 Service Stars, World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was a member of the Freetown Memorial Post 6643 Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion Post 1, Polish American War Veterans Association and the Murphy Club.
Survivors include his wife; 3 sons, Stephen Knowles and his wife Gail of East Freetown, David Knowles of Houston, TX and Michael Knowles of New Bedford; a daughter, Nancy Dawson and her husband Matthew of New Bedford; a sister, Doris Renaud of Nokomis, FL; 6 grandchildren, Christopher Knowles, Kevin Knowles, Danielle Villanueva and her husband Juan, Kimberly Knowles, Craig Dawson and Kerri Dawson.
He was the brother of the late William Knowles.
His Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 3rd at 9 AM in St. Mary's Church, New Bedford, Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visiting hours Sunday, November 2nd from 5-8 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to Community Nurse and Hospice Care, P.O. Box 751, Fairhaven, MA 02719.