Edward D. Knecht III, 66, of Tucson, Ariz., passed away surrounded by family on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, at home.
Edward D. Knecht III was born in Williamsport, Pa., on Oct. 10, 1957, to William G and Marie E. (Krakowski) Knecht.
Edward retired from the United States Marine Corps as a Master Sergeant (E-8). He started his military career in 1975 and retired Dec. 31, 1995, where he served in the Battle of Mogadishu, Golf War (Operation Desert Storm-Desert Shield). During his military career he had many decorations, medal, badges, citations and campaign ribbons awarded and authorized, which were Expert Rifle Badge (AWD 4x’s), Sharpshooter Pistol Badge, Good Conduct Medal (with 5 stars), Letter of Appreciation (AWD 4x’s), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (with 5 stars), Navy Achievement Medal (with 2 stars), Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal (with 2 stars), Navy Unit Commendation, Kuwait Liberation Medical, Armed Force Expeditionary Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, United Nations Medal, Navy Commendation Medal.
His Military Education was extensive, Edward began his Marine Corps education in Food Service and continued to Embark in Officer during Operation Desert Storm. His Favorite saying was “I’m just a cook”. Edward was a very disciplined person which he learned in his upbringing and military life.
After retiring from the Military, he started working as a dispatcher-jailer for Conejos County Sheriff’s Office where he went on to complete the Law Enforcement POST certification and started his career in Law Enforcement with the Conejos County Sheriff Office, he started out as a patrol deputy, then became the Undersheriff until full retirement.
Edward was a true avid Penn State fan and NASCAR fan. He would always have the football games on every Saturday and NASCAR every Sunday. Edward also loved the outdoors, Fishing and Hunting. He also loved sitting in his backyard watching the quail and swimming in his pool.
Surviving are his Wife Irene (Candelaria) Knecht of 45 years, Daughters Perfilia (Daniel) Vigil, Veronica (Andrew Gallegos) Knecht, Daughter-Granddaughter Marivel (Andrew) Yslava, Grandchildren Brooke Vigil, Jacobo Vigil, Kiara Gallegos, Aiden Knecht, Kamylla Gallegos and seven great-grandchildren Brayleigh Sisneros, Savanah Vigil, Johnavon Vigil, Laila Vigil, Lyahna Vigil, James Vigil and Canelo Vigil, Sister Vicki (Bernie) Synoracki and Brother John (Kim) Knecht, Sister in-laws Anna Gomez, Corrine Candelaria and Laura (Chris) Perez, and two God children Micheal Roberts and Jessica Gomez, along with several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
In addition to his parents, William G. and Marie E. Knecht, he was preceded in death by his Sisters MaryAnn Knecht, Anne Starner, Brother in-law Tony Starner and Nephew Michael Starner, Father-in-law Joe A. Candelaria, Granddaughter Gabrielle Vigil and Great-grandson Josiah Vigil.
A service to honor the well lived life of Edward D. Knecht III will be held on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Conejos Colorado, with Full Military Honors.
To leave online condolences, please visit romerofuneralhomes.com. The care of arrangements has been entrusted to Romero Valley Funeral Home of Alamosa.
