Max Knoff
KNOFF-Max, 95, of Sharon, MA. passed peacefully in his sleep on February 21, 2021.
Beloved husband of the late Bertha “Terry” (Shapiro) Knoff. Loving father of Ellen Kawadler and husband Arnold Kawadler of Sharon, MA; Howard Knoff and wife Julianna Fawcett of Little Rock, Arkansas; Josef Knoff and wife Judy Knoff of Enosburg Falls, VT; Deborah Arsenault and husband Gary Arsenault Sr. of Westminster, MA.
Proud grandfather of Jaeson Kawadler and Matthew Kawadler; Jesse Knoff and David Knoff; Kristen Knoff, Ben Knoff, and Kaitlin Knoff; Carson Riley, Shaina Riley, and Joelle Riley and step grandchildren Sara Demianenko, Adam Gleason and Kendra King.
Esteemed great-grandfather of Mason Kawadler and Dennison Kawadler; and Estelle Knoff.
Loving brother of the late Lillian Annis (and husband Morris), Leo Knoff (and wife Helen), and Milton Knoff (and wife Rowena).
He was born in Boston on March 13, 1925 to Rebecca and Charles Knoff of Allston. A first generation American and graduate of the Boston Latin School, Max was a United States Navy Veteran having served his country for two tours of duty during World War II and the Korean War. He spoke fondly of his time in the service as a Dental Assistant stationed in Washington, DC and Newport, RI. He even played on their very successful softball team with Stan Musial–famous St. Louis Cardinal ballplayer.
He met his beloved partner of sixty years, the late Bertha “Terry” (Shapiro) Knoff, while she was in nursing school. Because marriage was not allowed while in school, they eloped to NH where they married in September of 1947. A formal wedding occurred later on February 13, 1949.
Working in the shoe manufacturing business as a Superintendent in charge of numerous factories across Eastern Massachusetts, he spent most of his career at Marlboro Footwear before becoming a Manufacturing Consultant for many years in China for Brown Shoe and Reebok.
Max raised his family in Newton, MA and later in Framingham, MA. He personified a strong work ethic making a career in the shoe industry. Max welcomed his children to spend time on school breaks and work in the shoe factory in Marlboro, while he instilled the value of higher education. Max had a special gift where he understood that to manage a work force, you simply needed to show respect to others and not ask others to do anything that you would not be willing to do. This ideology of never putting yourself above others won him respect and admiration amongst coworkers and furthered his career overseas to China where he continued to be a tremendous leader demonstrating that a caring heart can overcome any language barrier.
Max loved his time living in Taiwan and working in China, as well as a special trip that he took with Terry to London, Paris, and Rome in the Winter of 1972. He was a self-taught genius in house construction and renovation. And he enjoyed his summers “puttering around” numerous summer camps in Maine and New Hampshire that his children attended while growing up—compliments of Terry who was the Camp Nurse.
Outside of work, Max loved animals and had several beloved pets of all kinds including ducks, chickens, rabbits, cats, dogs, and a raccoon. He loved the Boston Red Sox whom he followed faithfully and also enjoyed opera especially Pavarotti, and the Three Tenors and listening to the symphony.
Max was a trusted brother, respected father, and loving grandfather and great-grandfather who was quick to playfully tease them on one hand, while equally quick to encourage and support their educations on the other.
Services will be private. Donations in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.