Francis "Tim" Knapik

Mr. Francis "Tim" Knapik, 58, of Hibbard Street, Amsterdam died suddenly on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at home. Born on August 8, 1953 he was the son of Frank and Genevieve Traskos Knapik. A lifelong area resident, Tim was a graduate of Amsterdam High School and attended FMCC. He was currently employed by the NYS Education Department as an education program assistant; where he brought smiles and happiness to everyone he touched. Tim was an accomplished photographer who enjoyed taking photographs of life, his family, and nature, especially in New York City's Central Park. He also enjoyed cooking and baking. He was loved by everyone, especially his family. Tim was also a member of the Central Park Conservancy and the Polish Community Center of Albany. Survivors include his children, Heather Knapik of San Francisco, CA and Tim Knapik of Long Island, NY; his beloved fiancée, Mary Ellen Lorini of Albany, NY; his father, Frank Knapik and his sister, Cynthia Irwin, both of Amsterdam, NY; one niece and nephew, Michelle Mazur and her husband Bob of Forest, VA and Jason Irwin of Rensselaer, NY; one great niece and great nephew, Lauren and Matthew Mazur; and his loving extended family of Eugene and Virginia Lorini and families. Tim was predeceased by his mother Genevieve and his brother in law, Mark Irwin. The Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 11:15a.m. at St. Stanislaus' Roman Catholic Church, Cornell Street, Amsterdam with Fr. O. Robert DeMartinis and Fr. Thomas Berardi. Interment will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Amsterdam. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Monday, September 12, 2011 from 5 until 8p.m. at Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Tim's memory to Central Park Conservancy, 14 E. 60th St, New York, NY, 10022 or at www.centralparknyc.org