Obituary of Larry E. Knop

Larry E. Knop, 82, passed away at home on September 9, 2023, following an extended illness.

He was born on September 10, 1940, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a son of the late Elmer Edward and Dorothy (Emerson) Knop. 

Larry earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington in 1962, his master’s degree from the University of Miami in 1964, and his Ph.D. from the University of Utah in 1973. After appointments at Southern Illinois University and the University of Texas at Austin, he came to College Hill as an assistant professor in 1977 and established a reputation as a “clear, caring, supportive, engaging, encouraging, and funny professor.” He retired officially in 2013, but continued to teach occasionally at Hamilton and as part of the Mohawk Consortium College in Prison Program. 

He regularly attended undergraduate mathematics conferences with his students and advised them on their research.

Larry married Shirley Deatrick in 1966. The couple enjoyed playing tennis, camping and traveling together. They visited all 50 states and many foreign countries. Larry was an avid reader and enjoyed science fiction, but his interests were wide-ranging.

He is survived by his wife Shirley; his three sons and their spouses, Evan and Emily Anderson, Darren Knop, and Travis Knop and Carly Romeo; four beloved grandchildren, Sebastian, Erik, Eleanor, and Lucas, plus a granddaughter on the way; and his sister, Judy Knop. He was predeceased by his parents and his younger brother Jack Knop.

Services  Saturday, October 14, 11:00 am. Fillius Events Barn, Hamilton College, 198 College Hill Rd, Clinton reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a  donation in Larry's memory to Planned Parenthood of Greater New York or the Nature Conservancy.