Paul Edward Knaus

Paul Edward Knaus, age 82, passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Milford Regional Hospital in Milford, Massachusetts. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on December 22, 1941, he was the son of Charles Edward and Olive Lucy (Slack) Knaus. Paul was raised in Norwood, before moving to Walpole, Massachusetts. After graduating from Walpole High School with the class of 1959, Paul continued his education at Boston College where he studied business. While at Boston College, Paul became a Charter Member of the Boston College Knights of Columbus, Council 5278.

Paul briefly lived in Waltham, Massachusetts before moving back to Walpole to raise his family. During this time Paul began a career with Polaroid in Waltham, Massachusetts. Paul’s role as a material handler made him an integral part of the manufacturing process for the iconic camera and film company. 

In 1987 Paul returned to Waltham which provided him with a much shorter commute to work each day. He officially retired from Polaroid in 2002, after 34 dedicated years with the company. Although Paul was “retired”, he continued to work at MilliporeSigma in Burlington, Massachusetts. At MilliporeSigma, Paul was part of the team that manufactured filtration devices, helping to provide consumers and labs with clean air and water for 11 years until his departure in 2013.

Ready to fully enjoy his retirement and be closer to family, Paul moved to Bellingham, Massachusetts in 2014. Family was incredibly important to Paul. As a young father, he looked forward to spending Sunday afternoons with his kids after the long work week. He found so much joy with his children, and was well known as the cool dad, or “Pops,” to their friends who he always welcomed on the family’s adventures. Later, when his children were grown and starting families of their own, Paul was thrilled to be given the title of Pépère, entering a new chapter of his life as a grandfather. He was a very enthusiastic and present grandfather, looking forward to get togethers and never missing a chance to cheer his grandchildren on at their sporting events, plays, and recitals. Paul earned another title in recent years and felt extremely lucky and proud to become a great grandfather not once, but twice. 

In his free time, Paul enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was an avid saltwater fisherman, and he looked forward to yearly trips on the ocean toward Martha’s Vineyard with his friends from Polaroid. The friends spent 35 summers on the sea, eating, drinking, laughing, and hoping to catch a delicious striped bass to bring home for dinner. Paul loved to play pool, learning how to best handle a cue at a young age and perfecting the art over the course of his life. He was also a pinball enthusiast and cribbage champion, spending countless hours enjoying the two hobbies. In his later years, Paul enjoyed some of these activities at the Bellingham Senior Center. He made many friends at the Senior Center and looked forward to his regular get togethers. Always one for a good time, Paul even created his own club with fellow seniors to play word games that he would spend hours each week creating.

Paul will be remembered as a loving, gregarious, and kind man. He was outgoing and humorous, always looking to laugh with others. Paul was known for his puns and dad jokes, often known as “Pépère-isms,” that would make you laugh and roll your eyes at the same time. He knew how important it was to keep a positive attitude and share a laugh, which he often did with his vast collection of T-shirts. He would choose the shirt of the day very thoughtfully, hoping to bring joy to anyone he may encounter. He was a best friend, loving Pops and Pépère as well as self-proclaimed “Pool King,” “Pinball Wizard” and “Grand wizard of Cribbage.” 

Loving father of Peter C. Knaus Sr., and his wife Toni Marie, of Wrentham, Tracey A. DeFlaminio, and her husband Scott, of Bellingham, Robert F. Knaus of Walpole, and Joseph P. Knaus, and his wife Beth, of Norwood. 

Cherished Grandfather of Lily M. Knaus, Peter C. Knaus Jr., Monica Givens, and her husband Awsom Zak, Charles DeFlaminio, and his fiancée Hayley, Sophia DeFlaminio, Rebecca Chariton, Ariana McWeeney, and her husband Ryan, and Aidan Chariton; and Great-grandfather of Awsom Zak Givens, Jr., and Zayden Anthony Givens. 

Former husband of the late Claudette (Hebert) Knaus. Also survived by many extended relatives and friends. 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Paul's Life Celebration on Thursday, August 22, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. Interment will be private at Knollwood Park Memorial Cemetery in Canton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Paul's name may be made to the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or by visiting https://www.stjude.org/ or to the American Heart Association using the following Donation Form or by visiting https://www.heart.org/