Rev. Bruce F. Knisley

December 30, 1921 - March 20, 2017

Bruce Francis Knisley, age 95, of Red Lion, PA, entered the gates of heaven on March 20, 2017, with his loving family surrounding him. He resided at the Normandie Ridge Personal Care community inYork. Bruce is survived by his children, Cynthia Knisley of West Chester, PA; Stephen Knisley (Diane) of Siler City, NC; Mary Loyer (Jim) of Red Lion, PA; 8 grandchildren Andrew, Amy, Julie, Matthew, Samuel, Emily, Kenneth, and Ruth; fourteen great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased in death by Ruth Hood Knisley, his beloved wife of 69 years, two brothers: Quay Knisely of York, PA and Bernard Knisely of Wrightsville, PA. Bruce, son of Jacob Emory Knisely and Nora Ellen Snyder Knisely, was born in Windsor, PA, on December 30, 1921. He graduated from Albright College, Reading, PA, with a bachelor's degree in 1943 and received a Divinity Degree from the Evangelical School of Theology on the Albright Campus in 1946. For 43 years, Rev. Knisley served as an ordained elder and pastor in the United Methodist Church, Susquehanna Conference. Bruce served the following churches: St. Matthews United Methodist Church and St. Johns United Methodist Church in Baltimore, MD; Manchester United Methodist Church, Yorkshire United Methodist Church, York, PA; Beaver Memorial United Methodist Church, Lewisburg, PA; and Grace United Methodist Church, Hanover, PA. He retired in 1985 and served for three years post-retirement as visitation pastor at Stewartstown United Methodist Church, Stewartstown, PA. Bruce maintained throughout his life a strong personal commitment to Christian service, especially advocating for those in need. After full retirement he engaged actively in building projects for Habitat for Humanity of York County, taught English in a York County literacy program, and assisted with voter registrations in York City. As well he served on the Board of Directors of the Red Lion Historical Society, where he facilitated development and served as docent for visiting school children. Bruce will be remembered kindly and honored by his loving family, friends and many others whose lives he touched. There will be a viewing from 9:30 - 10:30 AM held at Normandie Ridge; 1700 Normandie Dr. York, PA 17408 on Monday, March 27, 2017, followed by a memorial service at 10:30 AM with Rev. David L. Brinker, Chaplain of Normandie Ridge, Rev. Timothy A. Funk of St. Paul's UM Church, and Pastor Charles Sprenkle of Susquehanna Conference officiating. Interment will be private, at the Red Lion Cemetery, with arrangements made by Burg Funeral Home, 134 West Broadway, Red Lion, PA. For online guest book and condolences: www.burgfuneralhome.com The family wishes to thank the staff at Normandie Ridge and Memorial White Rose Hospice for their care. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to York Habitat for Humanity, 33 S. Seward Street, York, PA 17404 or Albright College, F. Wilbur Gingrich Library Fund, 1612 N. 13th Street, Reading, PA 19604. "Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5