Richard A. "Sleepy" Knapp

Richard Sleepy Knapp, 53, of North Windham, died Saturday Sept. 24, 2005 at Windham Hospital with his loving family by his side. He was born in Willimantic April 27, 1952 the son of the late William and Anna (Bicknell) Knapp. Richard attended Windham public schools. He was an auto body technician by trade having worked in several places in the Windham / Chaplin area. At the time of his death, he was employed at Chris s Automotive in Chaplin. Richard began his racing career at Waterford Speed Bowl at the age of 15. He was known as Rick Sleepy Knapp . He drove is car, Sweet 16, in the late model division at Waterford Speed Bowl, Stafford Speedway and Thompson Speedway until the early 1980 s when he began driving in the modified division. Richard held 3 track championships at Thompson. He is survived by his brother Raymond W. Knapp Sr. and his wife Nancy of Willimantic, a son Richard of Florida, his companion for the past 20 years Marsha Hansen of Windham and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 3 brothers, James Knapp, William P. Knapp Jr. and Arthur D. Knapp, and by 5 sisters, Anna Mae Howlett, Betty Lou Santor, Laura Squire, Margaret Jane Knapp and Ida Rose Knapp. Richard was a kind and compassionate person who would always lend a helping hand to those who needed it. He loved cats and also had a love for fishing and spent a great deal of time on his boat, The Little Boat . In 2004 he was featured in The Fisherman Magazine, for the large striped bass he had caught. His family will receive friends at the Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic on Tuesday between 5:00 and 8:00pm. Following cremation, a graveside service will be held on Friday at 1:00pm in the North Windham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests memorial donations to the Windham Hospital Emergency Dept. Fund, 112 Mansfield Ave. Willimantic, Ct. 06226. For online memorials, please visit at www.potterfh.com .