Craig Alan Knippel

Craig Alan Knippel, 57, of Spring Hill, Florida passed away peacefully on October 2, 2024, after a long illness. He was surrounded by his family and close friends.

Craig was born January 3, 1967, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the older twin by two minutes, and he made sure everyone knew it. The family moved to Florida when Craig was seven. He went to St Lawrence Catholic School, Webb Middle & Leto High school where he graduated in 1985. He ran track and cross country and was a soccer star – his nickname was the Fierce Falcon. Craig was a hard worker and held various positions over the years until he worked with his son, Christopher, where he really felt valued. Craig met the love of his life, Patricia Norena in 2009 and they married on April 9, 2011. The most important things to him were his grandchildren and his Boxers. You could find him on the couch with his dogs watching a game of his favorite teams - the Chicago Bears, Cubs, Blackhawks and the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buccaneers. He enjoyed cruising. Craig was a kind soul and while he was a man of few words, his laugh was contagious. 

Craig is survived by his wife Patricia and their two Boxers: Berlin and Kashmir. His twin brother Todd (Kathy) and their daughter Amanda (Scott) and daughter Norah. Son Christopher (Natalie) Price and his precious grandchildren, Sebastian and Adrianna Price. His mother-in-law Luz Llano, cousin Michelle Pagan-Llano, nephew Paul Nassef, cousin Ryan Hibbard and Aunt Arlene. His sons Alan and Matthew and their families. Special friends: the Grimaldo Family and his Talavera Tribe. 

He was proceeded in death by his parents Richard and Elizabeth (Betty) Knippel. His grandparents, Uncle John and Aunt Karen. Waiting for him at the doors to Heaven were his beloved Boxers: Zeppelin, Samson, Kaiser, Panzer, Luger, Luna, and Gunther. 

A mass service on Saturday, November 16th, 2024 at 10am will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church located at 5225 N. Himes Ave Tampa, 33614. A celebration of life will follow at Parc at Wesley Chapel Club House located at 5561 Post Oak Blvd. Wesley Chapel, 33544 to conclude at 3pm. 

In honor of his final wishes, Craig’s ashes will be spread in the ocean. He loved the beach and felt it was his happy place. 

Special thanks to Dr. Michael Harris and the nursing staff at AdventHealth Hospital in Tampa. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Florida Boxer Rescue in Craig’s name.