Lillian Angelina Knapp, 93, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026 at Menorah Life Nursing Center in St. Petersburg, FL after a long journey with Alzheimer's. Even during challenging times, she had a smile on her face.
Lillian was born on July 23, 1932 in Kenosha, WI, to Italian immigrant parents. She was the daughter of Louis Giacomin and Lucy (Toigo) Giacomin. She was proud of her Italian heritage.
She attended schools in Kenosha. She graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School and received her Master's Degree in Elementary Education from UW-Milwaukee. Lillian was a teacher for the Kenosha Unified Schools for almost 30 years. Together with her husband, Harvey, they owned and operated Miniature Village Dollhouse Store.
On December 1, 1951, at age 19, she married the love of her life, Harvey E. Knapp, at First Evangelical United Brethren Church. Together they raised three children: Ramona Clingman (Vince) of St. Petersburg, FL; Harvey J. Knapp (Taryn); and David E. Knapp (Joan) of Pleasant Prairie, WI. David preceded her in death on May 21, 2015.
Lillian stayed active in her retirement by going to the Senior Center and playing Bocce Ball at the Alpine Club. She also had monthly get-togethers with her Bain Elementary School friends. She enjoyed traveling, antiquing and attending the summer concerts at the Pennoyer Park Bandshell.
She lived most of her life in Kenosha until 10 years ago, when she moved to St. Petersburg to be with her daughter.
She is survived by: her sister, Lenore Hinds; her grandchildren: Austin (Jenny) Grinder, Chad (Lily) Grinder and Ross (Melissa) Clingman, all of St. Petersburg, and Jessica (Dan) Lorge, Erik Knapp and Gabriella Knapp, all of Pleasant Prairie; and her great-grandchildren, David Knapp and Isabella Grinder.
Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Louie; and her grandson, Tyler Clingman.
Lillian will be remembered for her smile, warm heart, gentle spirit and love for her family. She will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life is being planned later this summer, with details to be shared when available.