"We love him because we understand

That Goodness and greatness go hand in hand." (Crewson)

These words could not be truer for Robert E. Knapp, M.D.—one who achieved both goodness and greatness in his full life.

Dr. Robert E. Knapp, 82, of Watchung passed away peacefully with his family by his side on September 15, 2021. Born in Jamaica, NY, Bob was raised in Summit, NJ, and attended Summit High School, Seton Hall University, and Georgetown Medical School. Bob spent most of his married life in Watchung where he and his wife, Joanne, raised their 5 children.  Bob worked as a General Surgeon at Overlook Hospital in Summit from 1972 to 1999; as a partner in General Surgical Associates, Bob's surgical practice had offices in Westfield, Summit and Warren.  Bob also served his country faithfully as a surgeon in the US Army during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Star for his distinguished service.

During his 27-year surgical career at Overlook Hospital, Bob served in many capacities, such as Chief of Surgery. He also taught hundreds of surgical residents who came from St. Vincent's and Columbia Presbyterian over the years. A fervent believer in the power of prayer, Bob poured his faith into his service profession on a daily basis, and he saved countless lives in the process.

First and foremost a family man, Bob enjoyed 58 years of marriage to the love of his life, Joanne (Dorgan) Knapp. In his retirement, Bob enjoyed vacationing for half the year on the coast of Maine and spending the other half of the year in NJ where he could be close to his 6 grandchildren. Bob was an avid golfer, a voracious reader, and a fierce fan of NY Yankees Baseball, Seton Hall Pirates Basketball, and Notre Dame Football.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Joanne (Dorgan) Knapp; by his children, Robert "Robbie" S. Knapp and his wife Jean; Blair P. Knapp and his wife Beth; Blythe J. Knapp and her husband Hector Gasca; and Nicole K. Gilmore; and by his six grandchildren, Sarah, Patrick, Megan, MacKenzie, Tommy, and Maximo.

Bob was preceded in death by his son, Erik Knapp (2018), his sister, Rita Ann Knapp, his brother, Nicholas "Bud" Knapp, and his son in law, Michael Gilmore.

At this time, all services will be private. The funeral mass will take place on Friday, September 24, 2021 at 10:00 am. You can find the live streaming service at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClVVEvIGB3O0MPrb_EMj5tg .

Funeral services have been entrusted to Flynn and Son Funeral Home. 23 Ford Ave., Fords, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's name to the Parkinson's Foundation or St. Jude's Children's Hospital , both causes near and dear to his heart.