Lance R. Knauth

Lance R. Knauth died peacefully at Chester County Hospital surrounded by family and friends on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Judith Knauth, and daughter, Tracy Bach (Brian Lombardo). He is also survived by two grandsons, Jordan (Carlotta Alfonsi) and Matthew Bach-Lombardo, whom he lovingly labeled Favorite Oldest Grandson (FOG) and Favorite Youngest Grandson (FYG). He leaves a great granddaughter, toddler Camilla Alfonsi, who had just played with him in May.

Lance was born in Oradell, New Jersey on June 30, 1942 to Gustav Knauth and Hope Moos Knauth, joining older brothers, Roger and David. He graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with an AB in Liberal Arts in 1964, where he played varsity tennis and soccer. On June 25, 1966, he married Judith Hauer in Bethany Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, PA.

Lance worked in the West Chester Area School District from 1965 until his retirement in 1996, first as a history teacher, then a guidance counselor at Henderson High School, and finally an assistant principal at Henderson and East High Schools and Pierce Middle School. While working full-time, he earned an MA in Psychology from West Chester University and completed PhD coursework in Educational Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania. He also served as president and chief negotiator for the District’s 700-member teachers’ union early in his career.

Lance loved playing and watching sports his entire life. Post college, he played and coached tennis and later enjoyed pickleball. He skied and served on the Chadds Peak Ski Patrol. He and Judy enjoyed decades of good powder and friendships in Park City, Utah. Lance played golf, making others chuckle with his self-deprecating comments. He and Judy loved galivanting around in their antique Avanti, Porsche, Jaguar, and MG. Watching Wimbledon and all the major tennis and golf tournaments was peak fun for Lance - only topped by making loads of popcorn and sitting down to SNL with Tracy’s high school friends each week.

Lance was an avid reader and always up for a good conversation, often related to an article he had just read in the Wall Street Journal. He was the family source for presidential history facts and snorting laughs for his “creative” answers in Scattergories. During meals, he shared wine from his collection and believed that all food could benefit from just a little more salt.

Lance will be remembered as universally kind, thoughtful, and generous. He served on the Board of Directors of the West Chester Community Center and West Chester Rotary Club. Lance made an impact on countless young people as he counseled them to be themselves and pursue their dreams, cheering them on well after graduation. He was one of those educators who many people mention when asked “Who had a significant impact on your life?”

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Donations in Lance’s honor may be made to The Barn at Spring Brook Farm (610-793-1037).

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181 www.DellaFH.com