Harold E. Knisely

Harold E. Knisely was born at his childhood home in St. Clairsville, PA and passed peacefully at his home in Bedford, PA, at the age of 88, in the care and comfort of his loving wife, Wilda, wife of 63 years, who was right by his side.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Zelda Berkheimer; his brother, Leo Dean Knisely and wife, Helen; brother-in-law, Alton Iames and wife, Jeane; sister-in-law, Norma Iames Kifer and husband, Owen; a special aunt, Mary Mills, and his very close son-in-law, Bradley Wise.

He is survived by his wife, Wilda Marie Iames Knisely, and two loving children, Cynthia Knisely Wise, of Bedford, PA; and Pamela Knisely Jones and husband, Jason, of Duncansville, PA; a niece, Nancy Knisely Smith and husband, Ron and their son, Jeff; grandson, Eric Wise and wife Tara; granddaughter, Meghan Wise Bardell and husband Sean; grandsons, Graden Jones & Cullen Jones; great-granddaughters, Jenna Wise and Reghan Wise; great-grandson, Easton Bardell; and great-granddaughter, Athena Bardell.
Harold was a proud Bedford High School Graduate, Class of 1952, and an Army Veteran.  He completed his basic training in Ft. Dix, NJ in 1955 and served 3 years in the Army, working as a helicopter mechanic through 1958.  He then married his wife, Wilda, on October 11, 1959.

Harold loved spending time with his wife and family.  He enjoyed riding through the yard on the golf cart, going to the beach, playing Canasta on Saturday nights, and sitting outside in the company of his family.  He also enjoyed attending sports events his children and grandchildren played and he spent many hours making plastic canvas crafts while watching Jeopardy.

Harold was a salesman.  This man could sell anything.  His first job was when he was 9 years old selling salve and Christmas cards, which later led him to selling Knapp shoes, Amway, and Old World.  Harold worked with his brother, Dean, at Knisely’s Garage in Cessna, PA, as a mechanic for 30 years.  Harold’s front-end vehicle alignment was considered one of the best services around; he was often the requested mechanic by many locals.

Harold worked alongside Steve Zimmerman, his dear friend and co-worker for many years, where they worked together at the Amoco gas station in Schellsburg, PA, set up a booth at many sporting shows, and later worked at Zimmerman’s Country Furniture together.

Harold was very sociable and quite the character if you knew him, always “BS-ing” with everyone he ever met and telling jokes.  He was the happiest man, who hummed a tune everywhere he went and who was always “pulling your leg”. 

“Pap” would always say, “It’s 2 o’clock National Naptime, time for my afternoon nap,” but would never actually sit down to nap, as he was always so busy working.  All of Harold’s grandchildren would like to leave him with a smile and this message, “Pap, we love you, thank you for everything you’ve done for all of us, and it’s okay, you can nap now.”

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 17, 2022 at 11:00 a.m., in the Chapel at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford with Pastor John Miller officiating.  Burial at Prosperity Church Cemetery, in Chaneysville.  Friends will be received on Sunday from 3-5 p.m., at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Harold to the Volunteer Services Department at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center, 2907 Pleasant Valley Blvd, Altoona, PA 16602.  Our online guestbook is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.

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