Joel D. Knolmayer, 78, of Venice, Florida passed peacefully in his sleep early on the morning of March 2, 2022. His life is lovingly celebrated by his wife of 55 years, Cheryl; his two sons, Joel and Todd; his grandchildren, Mia and Matthew; his siblings, Bruce Knolmayer, Carol Willard and her husband, Ed, Ron Knolmayer and his wife, Mindy; the many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends too numerous to mention; and, of course, Finn and Lucy (his son Todd's dog and cat) who are still trying to figure out where their best friend has gotten off to.

Before moving to Venice, Florida in 2009, Joel was a long-time resident of Metuchen, NJ, having moved there with his family in 1976. In addition to being the proud founder and owner of Advanced Tool Sales, Joel was an avid fisherman and collector of all manner of things, especially nutcrackers, steins, and vintage "crackle glass." His prodigious collection of the latter (numbering in the thousands of pieces) merited him a mention in the Crackle Glass Identification and Value Guide published in 1995.

But most of all, he will be remembered by those of us who knew and loved him for his sharp wit, indefatigable energy, loyalty, devotion, and his incredible warmth and charm. For his honesty, and the fact that his life was a true reflection of the man he was, which is perhaps the greatest compliment one can give. He was indelibly himself, which is very likely why he has left such an indelible mark on everyone he met. Of course, he has left no greater impression than the one in the heart of his wife, Cheryl. Those close to him can recall with a smile all of the times he referred to her as "the best thing that ever happened to me." That conviction was the cornerstone of his life, and together they lived the spirit of those words every day for 55 years. And like all great loves, no time or distance can touch it. It's theirs for the ages.

If the outpouring of love we have received on his behalf in the last few days is any measure- and we believe that it is- he's currently enjoying quite the reception on the other side of things. So there is far more joy in his memory than sorrow, and we invite you to join us in this feeling. To borrow the creative words of his granddaughter, sail on smoothly, "placid oceanneer." And let our love be the wind in your sails, always.

All post-arrangements have been handled privately. Any future gatherings or observances will be shared by the family in due course.

In lieu of flowers, please don't drive 60 mph in the left lane. He'd have appreciated it.

All Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Flynn and Son/Koyen Funeral Home, 319 Amboy Ave., Metuchen, NJ 08840. To send a message of condolence, please visit our website at: www.flynnfuneral.com.