Christian Sympathy - David N. Knipel
Rev. David N. Knipel, Esq., age 71, peacefully passed on to his eternal home on July 18, 2022. Born on May 15, 1951, in Hanover, PA., he grew up in York, Pennsylvania and was a graduate of Central High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Wheaton College in 1973 and his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of Michigan in 1977. In 1996, David received his Master of Divinity from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Theological Seminary). He began his career in 1977 as an Associate at Morgan, Lewis and Bockius, Philadelphia. In 1984, he became Senior Counsel, Special Counsel and Corporate Secretary for UGI Corporation, Valley Forge, PA.
From 1994-2020, Pastor Dave served various churches in Pennsylvania and South Jersey, including Chesterfield Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Long Branch, First Baptist Church of Woodstown, First Baptist Church of Norristown, Jeffersonville Presbyterian Church, and Calvary Baptist Church in Norristown. In 2010, he came to Woodbury where he served as co-interim pastor with his wife, Carla, at Central Baptist Church until 2012, and then became a member of the church until his death. From 2003-2022, Pastor Dave also served as Legal Counsel for American Baptist Churches in the USA. He served over 20 years as a pastor and 40 years practicing law with the last 22 years representing faith-based organizations. He was also an adjunct professor at Palmer Theological Seminary and Central Philippine University teaching conflict transformation and forgiveness studies.
He is predeceased by his parents Lorraine (Fencil) and Oscar Norman Knipel.
Survived by his wife of 22 years, Carla A. Romarate-Knipel, son Isaac N. Knipel, brothers Daniel E. (Geralyn) Knipel, Timothy P. Knipel (Cindy); his nephews and nieces: Amanda Hendrix, Rachel Nace (Shawn), Kathryn Knipel, Joshua Knipel (Ashley), Andrew Knipel, Carrie Edwards (Tynan), Sarah (Greg) Tyrell, and Justin Knipel. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Esther Rose Romarate, Claire R. Zimmerman (Randall J.), Donna May R. Reyes (Kim); and their children, Carlos Zimmerman and Katie Zimmerman; Ethan, Andre and Aiden Reyes.
Pastor Dave was a devoted and loving husband and father, who served God faithfully in his legal practice and pastoral ministry. He is remembered and cherished as a caring and compassionate person whose quiet ministry of presence has blessed many. We are greatly saddened by his passing but give thanks for a life well-lived to the glory of God.