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KNOLL Fr. CHARLES KNOLL, OFM Age 88, quietly passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2015, at Vincentian Home in Pittsburgh, PA, where he resided for several years. He was born to Francis and Mary Alice (Black) Knoll on February 14, 1927, in Chicora, PA. He was one of 12 children. Father Charles was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Francis; and his sister, Mary Agnes Pfaff. He is survived by sisters, Mary Therese Geibel of Chicora, Monica Glynn of Baltimore, OH, Rita Barnhart of Rye, NY, Bernadette Huefner of Franklin, PA, Donna Neff of Butler, PA; and brothers, John Thomas and Donald, all of Chicora, and Father Lester Knoll, OFM Cap, of Wickliffe, OH. In addition, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and his many nieces and nephews and their children mourn Father Charles' passing. Charles attended the public grade school in Chicora, and entered St. Fidelis Seminary High School in Herman, PA, in 1942. He entered the Capuchin Order in 1948 and professed his first vows on July 14, 1949. Three years later he made his final profession. Father Charles was ordained to the priesthood on June 5, 1954, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. In addition to earning degrees in philosophy and theology, Father excelled in liturgical music. He was a Fulbright Scholar for musical studies in Germany in 1963. Later he pursued his studies in music at the Catholic University of America, gaining a Master of Music degree in 1967. He continued post- graduate studies at the university until 1970. He was employed by J. S. Paluch and the World Library Company in Chicago as a liturgical music specialist. He also attended Duquesne University to study music therapy. His first priestly assignment was at St. Fidelis High School Seminary as instructor and prefect of discipline, a post he held for seven years. After his studies in Germany, Father Charles returned to serve as an assistant hospital chaplain and seminary professor in Pittsburgh. In 1970, he was appointed director of liturgical music at Capuchin College in Washington, DC, and St. Conrad Friary in Annapolis, MD. From 1971 to 1979, he ministered in various Pittsburgh area parishes and simultaneously served in various capacities as a specialist in music and worship. He lived in Chicago from 1979 to 1984. In 1984, he was named Health Care Minister for SS. Peter and Paul parish in Cumberland, MD. In 1993, he served as chaplain at Regency Hall Nursing Home and part-time chaplain at the Motherhouse of the Millvale Franciscan Sisters. His last ministry assignment was at St. Mary parish in Export, PA. Father Charles was on the pastoral staff and was director of music ministry in the parish. In 2001, Father Charles returned to Capuchin College in Washington to begin his retirement, and in 2009 he moved to St. Augustine Friary in Pittsburgh. Father loved music and was an expert in liturgical music. Whether directing a high school choir, studying music in Germany, directing liturgical music for the Diocese of Pittsburgh or directing parish music ministers, Father Charles was committed to excellence and quality. His body will be received at St. Augustine Friary (221 36th Street, Pittsburgh) on Wednesday, March 11, 2015, and visitation and viewing will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., with a Wake Service at 8 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Mary of the Assumption Church (821 Herman Road, Butler, PA) on Thursday, March 12, 2015, at 11 a.m. Interment in the friars' plot of St. Mary Cemetery will take place immediately after the funeral Mass. Professional services entrusted to D'ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, LTD., Lawrenceville. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
