John H. Knab

(Age 86) of Varysburg, NY, passed away suddenly on August 28, 2024, surrounded by his family at WCCH in Warsaw. Born on May 2, 1938, in Warsaw, he was the son of the late George and Jeannette Hewson Knab.

John lived his entire life at the Knab family homestead on Thomas Road in Varysburg, a property his family has called home since 1856. He graduated from Attica High School in 1956 and married the love of his life, Joan E. Schwab, on June 9, 1962, at St. Michael’s RC Church in Warsaw. Together, they operated the family dairy farm until 1977. In addition to running the farm, John worked at Embt’s Feed Mill and Merle’s Maple Syrup, managed the Attica Agway, and later retired from the Attica Correctional Facility.

John was a dedicated leader in his community. Over a 47-year span, he served the Sheldon Town government in various capacities, including 16 years as Town Supervisor, 16 years as Town Justice, 14 years as Town Councilman, and 1 year as Town Assessor. His many accomplishments as Sheldon Town Supervisor included securing the development of the High Sheldon Wind Farm, which led to the elimination of town taxes for all Sheldon residents. He was also a member of the Wyoming County Board of Supervisors, Chairman of the Green Energy Committee, and member of numerous other committees, including Finance, Planning, Public Health, Human Services, and Audit.

He was a member of the Varysburg Volunteer Fire Department for 62 years, including 6 years as Assistant Chief and 6 years as Chief. He was a former rescue squad member and EMT, and was currently serving as Commissioner of the Fire Department. John was named Wyoming County Fireman of the Year in 2000.

John was a faithful member of SS. Joachim & Anne Parish in Varysburg, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and former trustee. He also chaired both Catholic Charities and parish ham dinners for many years.

John enjoyed attending farm auctions and anything related to Oliver tractors. He was an active member of the Empire State Oliver Collectors Club, where he also served as past Vice President. He regularly participated in the Annual Tractor Drive around Silver Lake in Perry and often traveled out of state to Oliver tractor shows and auctions. Additionally, John served as Treasurer of the Tri-Town Senior Citizens for 6 years, where he and Joan enjoyed socializing with their many friends.

Above all, John cherished spending time with his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Joan, and their six children: Joanne (Robert) Lehmann of Carolina Shores, NC; Janet (John) Bonner of Varysburg; Judy (Allen) Preischel of Eden, NY; Jeffrey Knab of Varysburg; John P. Knab of Varysburg; and Jennifer (Nate) Reed of Victor, NY. He was a loving grandfather to Elizabeth (Andrew) Haverly, Rob (Lisa) Lehmann, Christiana Lehmann, Michael Bonner, Emily (Ian) Brotherton, John Preischel, Michael Preischel, Katie Preischel, Clara Reed, Henry Reed, Harvey Reed, and Hewson Reed; great grandfather to Luke Lehmann, Brooks Lehmann, and Aria Haverly. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Rose Boxler and Nadine Schwab, and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his siblings, George (Doris) Knab of Varysburg, and Ann (Donald) Corwin of Varysburg.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s RC Church, 171 N. Main Street, Warsaw, NY 14569, immediately followed by Christian burial at the SS. Joachim & Anne RC Parish Cemetery, 2311 Route 98, Varysburg, NY 14167. A celebration of life open house will be held from 1-4 p.m. at the Varysburg Fire Hall, 2446 Route 20A, Varysburg, NY 14167. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Varysburg Fire Dept., P.O. Box 638, Varysburg, NY 14167, or Charlotte House, Inc., 4316 Route 98, North Java, NY 14113.