BRANDON — Dale Knapp, 68, died Nov. 7, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the love and care of family, friends, and Hospice.
Dale was born April 9, 1958, in Proctor, Vt., the son of Murray and Mary Ann (Fuller) Knapp. He grew up in Brandon, where he received his early education and graduated from Otter Valley Union High School with the Class of 1976. During his school years, Dale played soccer, basketball, and baseball, and he continued to enjoy competitive athletics after graduation, playing soccer and hockey in Rutland-area leagues for several years.
Following high school, Dale joined his father in the family business, EG Knapp and Son Excavating. After his father’s retirement, Dale owned and operated the company for several years. When EG Knapp and Son closed, he worked for Markowski Excavating. For the past 17 years, he was employed by D&F Excavating and Paving.
Dale’s passion for the outdoors led him to logging, both independently and alongside Tracy and Jon Wyman. Known for his willingness to lend a hand whenever needed, he also stepped into an unexpected role one Christmas season, helping operate 3 Guys Florist with Bernie Carr and Dennis Holman when Carr’s Florist needed assistance after Beth Carr was sidelined by an injury that temporarily prevented her from working as a floral designer.
Dale’s greatest joy came from his family and friends. He was always there to support and encourage them in their interests and activities. Dale enjoyed hunting, ice-fishing, reading, music, sporting events, playing cards, woodsmen’s competitions, daily walks with beloved dogs, and watching the sun rise and set each day.
Dale is survived by his wife of 44 years, Ellen Ripley Knapp; his two daughters, Hillary Knapp of Brandon and Kelsey Knapp of Hancock; his brother, Kent Knapp (Laura); his sister-in-law, Terrie Ripley Patch (Tim); and his brother-in-law, Rob Ripley (Beth). He is also survived by his nieces, Emily Patch Carter (Michael), Samantha Patch Graves (Brandon), Amanda Ripley Quesnel (Paul Matthew), and Katherine Ripley Thompson (Cooper); his nephew, Jeritt Patch (Lydia); his great-nephews, Nolan Carter, Wesley Carter, Owen Patch, Luke Quesnel, and John Quesnel; his great-niece, Holly Patch; and several cousins. Dale is survived by lifelong friends Bernie and Beth Carr, and Caitlin Carr (Maria). He is survived by many dear friends who were like family.
He was predeceased by his parents, Murray and Mary Ann Knapp; his brother, Mark Knapp; his grandparents, Ernest and Blanche Knapp and Gladwyne Fuller; and his aunts, Gwen Knapp and Myra Knapp.
A gathering in celebration of his life will take place Nov. 17, 2026, at 10 a.m., at Brandon Congregational Church. Rev. Sara Rossigg, pastor will officiate. A graveside committal service and burial will follow in the family lot at Pine Hill Cemetery. Following the committal service the family will receive friends, at Brandon American Legion from noon until 2 p.m.
Friends may call at the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon Monday, Nov. 16, from, 4-7 p.m.
Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made in his memory to Homeward Bound, 236 Boardman St. Middlebury VT 05753 or Visiting Nurses & Hospice of the Southwest Region, 7 Albert Cree Drive, Rutland VT 05701.
Arrangements by Miller & Ketcham of Brandon.◊
