Walter M. Kneeland, 93, formerly of Center Harbor, passed away at the Forest View Manor, in Meredith on Tuesday, June 25, 2013, after a lengthy illness.
Walter was born in Cambridge, MA on February 28, 1920, the son of Ralph P. and Jennie (Mann) Kneeland. He was raised in Melrose, MA attending local schools, graduating from Melrose High School, Class of 1938. Walter attended M.I.T. and earned a bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, and furthered his education by earning a master’s degree in Food Technology in 1947. While in college in 1944, he joined the Army and served in the Company “A” 280th Engineers Battalion during World War II.
Walter worked for the Cranberry Canners, Co., in Plymouth, MA while attending college; he then went on to work for the H.P. Hood Company where he worked in the research department for 23 years, he also worked at several food companies throughout the U.S. during his career.
Walter spent most of his life in Melrose, MA, before retiring to Center Harbor, NH, in 1982. He was a past member of the 1st Universalist Church, of Melrose, and was a very active member at the Congregational Church of Center Harbor, serving as a Deacon and Trustee of the church. Walter served as Town Auditor for Center Harbor; he was a Treasurer and Trustee of the Center Harbor Library and performed the same duties for the Historical Society of Center Harbor. Walter was also a member of the National Institute of Food Technology.
Walter is predeceased by his beloved wife, Dorothy Elizabeth (Walters) Kneeland, in November, 2008, and his granddaughter, Heather Kneeland, in 2012.
He is survived by three children, David M. Kneeland and wife Sandra, of Cohasset, MA, Craig E. Kneeland, of Troy, NY, Barry W. Kneeland and wife Beth, of Shrewsbury, MA; daughter-in-law, Julie Jorgensen, of Brunswick, NY; three granddaughters, Erika, Leandra, and Kelsey.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Walter’s memory to the Center Harbor Congregational Church, 52 Main St., Center Harbor, NH 03226, or to a charity of one’s choice.