Martin H. Knowles, Jr.
December 30, 1938 - July 10, 2020
Martin H. Knowles, Jr., age 81, of New Castle, DE, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2020.
Born in Wilmington, DE on December 30, 1938, he was a son of the late Martin H. Knowles, Sr. and Jessie (Holmes) Knowles. Martin proudly served his country in the US Army. He had a love for the flower business and was in the wholesale florist industry for 50 years, 30 of those years as the owner of Interstate Wholesale Florist where he built many friendships.
Martin had a passion for hunting and fishing with his sons and grandsons and was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys. A man of faith, he enjoyed spending his Sundays at Free Will Baptist Church where he served as an usher.
In addition to his parents, Martin was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Joann R. (Joyce) Knowles; son, Joseph M. Knowles; grandson, Michael Scalia, Jr.; and son-in-law, Anthony Saragino. He will be dearly missed by his children, Martin Knowles III (Catherine), Joyce Scalia (Michael), Donald A. Knowles (Annette), Sherry Saragino, Tracy Ferrell (William Noble), and Laura and Sara Ferrell, whom he raised; sisters, Rebecca Knowles, Patricia Chester and Elaine Cameron; brother, Thomas Knowles; sister-in-law, Theresa Realey; grandchildren, Martin Knowles IV and Hailey Knowles, Tiffany and Kyle Scalia, Joseph, Caroline, Adam, and Achilles Knowles, Joann and Shelby Saragino, and 7 great grandchildren.
All services will be held privately.
To celebrate his love of flowers, arrangements are welcome and would be greatly appreciated.
Troy Jones
Condolences to Joyce, Marty, and Happy. From Troy Jones. Chuckey Tn.
Richard Stat
My contact with Marty was many years ago and very brief. I was probably about 20 and Marty, about 30, was my older brother’s friend. One day Marty taught a skinny kid to ride a motorcycle, letting me ride his Harley Sportster around a back yard for a little while to get the feel of it. His kindness and generosity of spirit was unusual and palpable – an essential part of his soul. He probably would not have remembered me but human interactions and relationships, however brief, and even with strangers, are in a way eternal. Rest in Peace my friend.
Eleanor S Fitzgerald
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending my condolences and prayers to the family.
Thomas H Stine
Our sincere condolences to the entire Knowles family.RIP Marty!You were such a kind person.
Sincerely,
Tom (Slim) and Maureen Stine
Marge Gott
Dear Marty, Cathy and children.
We send our condolences for the loss of your father. May God comfort all of you and the Knowles family during this difficult time.
Love Mark and Marge Gott
Jose & Mickey (Deputy) Martinez
Thoughts and prayers are with the family
Gwen Harris
Will always remember your sense of humor. Your church family will miss you very much. Prayers to the family especially Sara.
Butch Villermaux Jr and family
Our deepest sympathy to the Knowles family in their time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are sent to you from the bottom of our hearts.May Marty rest in peace and peace be with you all.
Arleen & Don Harris
Marty always seemed so happy Lifting you up in prayer during this time. Heartfelt sympathy for all the family.
Bruce Ewell
To the family. I am sorry for your lost. Your father was a great guy. I visited him a year and a half ago and we reminisced about the old days. How he used to bring me army blankets when I had to sleep in my Mom’s car. Lol. My prayers are with you all in this time of grief. Take Care
Daniel K. Statnekov
Marty was my old pal in the early 1960’s when he was just starting his family. We had many adventures together but the best memory I have of him is his true warmth and steadfast friendship. After many years of not seeing each other, we crossed paths again nine years ago at his mom’s funeral. When Marty saw me, the great beam of his smile lit up the room as if a second sun had arisen inside the building; our bear hug was as strong as it had ever been in years past, maybe stronger. I will miss my old friend knowing that he’s passed on from this Earth but as long as I’m alive I’ll remember Marty’s smile and genuine good spirit, and I’ll remember our friendship from all those years ago, a true treasure from my youth and boyhood days. R.I.P. old friend, Rest In Peace forevermore.
Allen Garvine
So sorry for your loss. I remember the good ole days in Claymont. Allen Garvine
Georgianna White
Marty you were one of a kind. A very happy man. Will miss your presence in our worship services. Prayers to your family.
Elaine Cameron
Hey brother,
You sure did surprise everyone. For sure you will be missed. You are one of a kind. You have a wonderful family. LOVE YOU . RIP
Mai-Linh Cruz
Oh Mr. Knowles… how sad my heart was to hear of your passing! I will ever forget your witty personality! You were such a joy to be around and nothing brightened my day more than being able to joke with you as you checked out (I work at his PCPs office). I always looked forward to seeing you at your next appointment… and my heart is sad that I no longer will be… my deepest condolences to yours family!