Stephen David Knapp, age 39, of Gloucester, Virginia, passed away on the morning of Saturday, January 27, 2024. Stephen was at home surrounded by his devoted family when he peacefully took his last breath and slipped into the arms of loved ones waiting for him in Heaven. Stephen was born on the morning of September 14, 1984 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Growing up, Stephen took an interest in baseball and became a phenomenal baseball player. He shared the joy of the game with his supportive mother, Cynthia Knapp, who never missed a practice or game. After high school, he joined the United States Air Force where he proudly served our country for nine years. After separating from the Air Force in 2014, he returned to the Gloucester-Williamsburg area where he met the love of his life, Claudia Lopez-Knapp, whom he married in June 2018. Stephen earned his bachelor’s degree in Emergency and Disaster Management. After working for FEMA, he went back to school and began a new career in cybersecurity. Stephen enjoyed woodworking, golfing, swimming, and working on cars. Sadly, in April 2020, Stephen unexpectedly fell ill. His fighting spirit shone through as he defied the odds when he awoke from his coma on a beautiful June morning. Stephen continued to fight for nearly four years, receiving care at various hospitals and facilities. The family extends a very special thank you to Dr. Alan Towne at the Richmond VA Medical Center who advocated for Stephen while also providing guidance and support to his family throughout their journey. The family also extends a special thank you to the patient advocates, nurses, and aides who took a special interest in Stephen and cared for him as if he were their own family member. On behalf of Stephen, Cynthia Knapp thanks her husband, Richard Keady, for advocating and caring for Stephen with so much love. Though Stephen’s time on earth was much too short, he touched the lives of many in his 39 years of life. Stephen was a beautiful soul whose infectious smile and sense of humor lit up the room. The memories of his loving, joyful nature, goofiness, kindness, and gentle spirit will live on in the hearts of all of those who love him. Stephen is survived by his soulmate, Claudia Lopez-Knapp; his mother, Cynthia Knapp, his bonus dad, Richard Keady; his brother, Alex Lopez; his brother, Jacob Knapp (Kristina); his niece, Violet Knapp; his sister, Stephanie Cash (Mollye); his father, Robert Knapp; his daughter, Alexa Knapp, and his main squeeze and faithful canine, Chloe. The family will have a Celebration of Life service in the Chapel of Hogg Funeral Home on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at noon. The inurnment will be private. In memory of Stephen, contributions may be made to the Heritage Humane Society of Williamsburg, 430 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, Va. 23185 (https://heritagehumane.org).

Services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home & Crematory.