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Samuel Knowles, Jr. Obituary
Samuel Benjamin Knowles, Jr., 79, of Hooksett, NH, passed away March 18, 2026.
Sam was most proud of being born in Portsmouth, NH. He was the son of Ethel and Samuel Knowles, Sr., and the brother to Robert Knowles and David Knowles, who predeceased him. Early in his life, he moved to Arlington, MA, where he was active in Boy Scouts. He earned his Eagle Scout Badge.
Sam was an avid hiker. Over the years, he enjoyed hiking the White Mountains. He completed all forty-eight 4,000-foot peaks in 1990.
He worked for forty years in the insurance industry as an underwriter, producer, and manager for various companies in New England. Sam was a mentor known for his kind, warm smile and firm handshake.
Sam was happiest either by the ocean, spending time in the mountains, or taking road trips. He attended the First Congregational Church Manchester. He was a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club, Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, and served as a docent for the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses. In his retirement, he enjoyed improving his photography skills with the Ash Street Photography Group and volunteered for the Special Olympics Young Athletes Program.
He was married for fifty-four years to his beloved wife, Ruth Homer Knowles.
His family includes his son, Kenneth Knowles, and daughter-in-law, Kelly; daughter, Amanda Knowles Kijac, and son-in-law, Peter. Sam was a proud grandfather to his five grandchildren, Caitlyn Knowles, Justin Knowles, Cameron Knowles, Riley Kijac, and Ellie Kijac.
Services: Calling hours are Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 10 to 11 AM at First Congregational Church, 508 Union St, Manchester, NH 03104.
A funeral will follow at 11 AM in the church.
Burial will take place in Head Cemetery, Hooksett, NH.
The Connor-Healy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 537 Union Street, Manchester, NH, has the honor of assisting the family.
For more information visit: www.connorhealy.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Knowles, Jr.
Norma Milne
March 26, 2026
Sam was a great mentor to me when I entered the insurance industry as an inexperienced agent. Many decades later, I was on an airplane on my way to St.Kitts for a vacation and who walked down the aisle ? My buddy! So sorry for your loss.
Joe & Joyce Savageau
March 26, 2026
Sorry for your lose
Mary Broderick
March 26, 2026
So sorry Ruth to learn of Sam's passing.
Peter Cheever
March 26, 2026
Through our time together in the insurance industry I got to know Sam. A good and kind man who will be missed by all who knew him.
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Bob & Cheri Better
March 26, 2026
Ruth, Very sorry for the loss of your sweet and caring hubby. Cheri & I very much enjoyed breakfasting with you & Sam, along with hiking and yaking along the way. Sam & I got to know each other through the ASG. We combined our photos of many National Parks and posted them at our local library. Sam was a very talented photographer and a easy person for casual conversation. His volunteer character and giving of his time to many individuals is very admirable. Bob & Cheri
Dave Garabedian
March 26, 2026
I got to know Sam (and Ruth) through volunteering at Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse tours on Sundays in the warmer months. Sam was a terrific guy, always a joy to talk with. I always admired Sam and Ruth’s commitment to outdoor activities, and to each other.
Sam will surely be missed. My sincere condolences to Ruth and Sam’s extended family.
Susan Mastroberte
March 25, 2026
My sympathy to all the family. Sam was a wonderful, caring and fun person. A great mentor and was a huge influence in my insurance career. I called him my “Insurance Dad” & The best Manager! He will be missed by all who knew him. I always think of Sam saying, “never put off what can be done today” . Cherish all the memories.
Joyce Taylor Watts
March 24, 2026
Ruth, my heart goes out to you! Losing two men close to your heart in a short period of time is sad! A long marriage is to be cherished...so many memories! And memories will get you through the tough times! Love and prayers, Joyce Watts
Melanie Cormier
March 22, 2026
So sorry to hear about the loss of Sam. He was a wonderful man and talented photographer. He will be deeply missed by his friends at Ash Street Photography.
May he rest in peace. With our deepest sympathies to Ruth and family. x
~Melanie Cormier
Selma Naccach-Hoff
March 21, 2026
Sam was such a dear man, a kind soul, a gentleman, and a gentle man. His always calm demeaner transferred that calmness to all with whom he interacted. You just felt better after talking with Sam. We hope that all of you will remember all the wonderful moments that comprised the life of a wonderful man. Our very deepest sympathy goes to Ruth and family.
Selma and Paul
Kathy McLean
March 21, 2026
My deepest condolences to you, Ruth and your family. May you find comfort in the love and memories you share.
Melinda & Gordon Robinson
March 20, 2026
Sam, our friend for 50 years. The memories of good times will help heal the pain that has come with your loss. Good times we did have! A true gentleman you were. An outstanding public speaker. A grand storyteller. Most of all a man we called friend. Ruth, our sincerest condolences, what a good life you and Sam shared.
Shirley Gordon
March 20, 2026
Ruth, I want to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
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Memorial Events
for Samuel Knowles, Jr.
Mar
26
Funeral services provided by:
Connor-Healy Funeral Home - Manchester537 Union Street, Manchester, NH 03104