NORWICH – Thomas Whitmore Knapp, 14 Locust Street, Norwich, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Dec. 21, 2011.
Born March 04, 1946, in Oneonta, Tom was the son of the late Richard W. Knapp and Shirley Howard Knapp.  A proud graduate of Morris Central School, Tom received a BS in Physics from SUCO, now SUNY Oneonta, and did additional graduate work at Colgate University.  He subsequently taught high school mathematics and science in Whitesville and West Winfield. In 1970, he joined The National Bank and Trust Company of Norwich, now NBT Bank, as a teller in the Earlville branch, retiring in 2003 as an officer in the Consumer Loan Department.
On Dec. 04, 1971, Tom and Suzanne M. Ford were married in Cortland, and established their home in Norwich, immediately becoming active members of a community they truly loved. Tom served the City of Norwich as Ward 1 Alderman, as a member of the Water Board, Street Tree Commission and Traffic Commission as well as serving Chenango County on the Industrial Development Agency. He also served many years as the NOAA Weather Observer for Norwich. In retirement, Tom was increasingly active in the Chenango County Historical Society, researching Norwich history with the intent of publishing a book on findings. Tom was a member of the First Baptist Church of Norwich, serving as Treasurer for several years.
Tom is survived by his wife, Suzanne, his mother, Shirley H. Knapp, Bowdon, GA, and sisters, Judy Reed, Bowdon, GA, Peggy (Peter) McCrea, Thomaston, ME, and Barbara Weaver (and companion Terry Duguay), Leominster, MA.  In addition, nephews Rick (Beth) Wood and family, Sinking Spring, PA, and Michael Weaver, Leominster, MA, and nieces Missy (Mike) Duncan and family, Thomasville, NC, Amy (Rob) Paul and family, Woodland, AL, Sharon Wood (and partner Ann Boyd), Augusta, ME, Kris Lombardi and family, Middletown, RI, and Karen Valeri and family, West Boylston, MA, also survive Tom. He will be missed by the Abbott and Ford families and all those whose lives he touched with his wit and wisdom.
Friends wishing to remember Tom are asked to consider the Chenango County Historical Society, 45 Rexford Street, Norwich, NY, 13815 or the Norwich Fire Department, 31 East Main Street, Norwich, NY, 13815 in his memory.
An announcement of the date and time for the graveside service in the Poolville Cemetery and a gathering of family and friends afterward at the Knapp home in Norwich will be printed in this paper in the spring.
Arrangements are by the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home of Norwich.