Christopher David Kniesler, 67, departed this earth on March 24, 2023, to join his brother Rick in heaven.

Chris was born December 22, 1955, in Trenton, NJ, the treasured son of Frederick and Bernice (Rottkamp) Kniesler. He was a 5 ^th generation resident of Upper Freehold Township and a 5 ^th generation parishioner of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Allentown, NJ. Chris was dedicated to his family and public service and was a man of deep faith. He was a proud graduate of Allentown High School (class of 1974), the University of Virginia (Bachelor of Arts in American Government, 1978), and the Catholic University of America (Master of Arts in Politics, 1981).

Chris had a notable career, recently retired as Director of Communications for the NJ Health Care Facilities Financing Authority. He previously served as Executive Officer of the Shore Builders Association of Central Jersey, Director of Administration for the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, Director of Government Relations of the New Jersey School Boards Association, Deputy Director of the NJ Division of Motor Vehicles, Deputy Director for Marketing and Sales for the New Jersey State Lottery, a partner in Kniesler Consultant Group, and Special Assistant to Governor Thomas H. Kean. He also assisted his wife Kathy in managing The Globus Pharmacy in Allentown for many years.

Chris also had notable achievements in sports having played and coached football at Allentown High School where he won the Lombardi Trophy and still holds the school shot put record. "Coach K" also coached football at Hamilton High School West for a decade and was one of the founders of the Catholic University Rugby Club. He thoroughly enjoyed the sport of rugby – playing in over 100 matches over the course of many years.

Chris had a great political mind, and was involved in campaigns at the federal, state, and local level. His early political experience was as a staff member to the late Congressman Edwin Forsythe and a member of Youth for Ford at the 1976 GOP Convention.

Chris was an active member of the 3 ^rd and 4 ^th Degree of the Knights of Columbus at St. John's Church. He was an avid vegetable gardener, providing produce to many friends and neighbors. And, most of all, Chris was a reliable, helpful, and selfless support to those around him – especially his parents.

Chris is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years Kathryn Kopec Kniesler, his parents, Fred and Bunny of Allentown, NJ; his brother Gregory and wife Krista of Falling Waters, WV; his sister Maria Flynn and husband Mike of Weymouth, MA, brother-in-law Ron Kopec of Yardville, NJ, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews whom he adored. Chris is predeceased by his brother, Frederick (Rick) Kniesler Jr.

Chris' family deeply appreciates the care he received in his time of need from his neighbors as well as the staff of Deborah Heart and Lung Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10am on Saturday, April 1, at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 1282 Yardville-Allentown Rd., Allentown. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. A viewing will be held Friday from 5-8pm at the Peppler Funeral Home, 114 S. Main St. Allentown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Chris' name to Hope Fire Company NO.1 82 Rt. 526 Allentown, NJ 08501 or to the Chris Kniesler Memorial Fund at Allentown High School. Checks could be made to Allentown High School with "Chris Kniesler Memorial" in the memo line and mailed to 27 High St Allentown NJ 08501.