William Knisely

William “Bill” Knisely, 58, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, from a sudden health issue while biking the trails at Camp Tuscazoar.

Born July 27, 1964 in Dover, he was the son of Linda Gee and the late Donald W. Knisely, Jr. After graduating from New Philadelphia High School in 1982, Bill began his professional career that spanned more than 40 years as a journeyman machinist. He served in this position for more than 18 years with Allied Machine & Engineering, then continued employment with Ariel Corporation.

He was an outdoor enthusiast. Bill loved to fish, hunt, and bike. He was also a self-taught musician, playing in numerous bands as a guitarist. He loved rock, heavy metal, and alternative rock music. Additionally, Bill traveled to several car shows with “Fancy”, his orange Dodge Challenger. When Bill wasn’t outside, he could be found watching movies and playing video games, too. Most importantly, he was a man of God and had a heart of gold. His family was of greatest importance to him.

Bill will be deeply missed and forever cherished by his wife, the former Nicole Renee Cross, of Canton; sons, Javin Knisely and Cain Knisely; and step-sons, Terry Gibson and Hunter Rhodes; his mother, Linda (Nathan Lynn) Gee; step-mother, Shirley Knisely; siblings, Michael (Staci) Knisely, Michelle (John) Sturiale, Nathan (Shannon) Gee, II, Scott (Melinda) Knisely, and Kurt (Angie) Knisely; his mother-in-law, Sue Stoviak; nieces and nephews, Logan (fiancé, Abbey Adkins) and Sami Knisely, Kara and Kaylan Sturiale, Mikayla Cox, Lucas Householder, Reece Gee, Mya and Emma Gee, Alex and Allie Knisely, and Zoe and Rowan Knisely; and great-niece and nephew, Lydia and Luca Winland; his best bike friend, Jamie Dickman; and numerous other family members.

He was preceded in passing by his first wife, Shelly A. Knisely on June 20, 2016; his father, Donald W. Knisely, Jr. on October 14, 2018; and his dog, Tinker.

A celebration of Bill's life will take place on Saturday, August 5, 2023, from 5:00 - 8:00 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover.

Memorial contributions in Bill’s memory may be directed to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave., SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.