Obituaries » Thomas B. Knoblauch
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Burial Date May 31, 2026
Thomas B. Knoblauch of Bucks County passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Philadelphia on Sunday, May 17, 2026. He was 69 years old. Tom was born in Bristol, Pennsylvania, on July 31, 1956, to the late James and Marie (née Kelly) Knoblauch.
As a child, Tom often worked alongside his father around their house his father built in Fergusonville, Pennsylvania. In his younger days, he worked various odd jobs until he finally decided to join a construction union. Tom was a second-generation union member. His father was a union foreman and superintendent. Tom started as a laborer and eventually became a master carpenter. After running work for union commercial carpentry companies, Tom and one of his coworkers decided to start their own company. His company, B&K Construction Inc., was very successful for over 25 years and was known as one of the premier contractors in the Greater Philadelphia area. He was a member of the Interior Finish Contractors Association. Tom went out on his own for a few years with his company Knoblauch Builders Inc. (KBI). He was known as one of the best employers to work for and often used the motto, “It’s better to lead with honey than vinegar.” Tom believed in being fair but was also very strong-willed and meticulous. Tom was responsible for providing well-paying union jobs to many families over the years and took great pride in doing so. He retired as a union carpenter in good standing, even after all those years of being an estimator/working owner. He encouraged or was directly responsible for his two sons, many of his family, and friends becoming union members as well.
Tom will be remembered for his kindness and generosity, always willing to help his family with anything and to lend his support in any way needed without judgment. He always had the biggest personality in the room with the biggest heart. He was full of life. Tom deeply loved his big family and being around those he cherished. Tom was the most beloved grandfather; his grandchildren were the light of his life, and he loved nothing more than to spend time spoiling them and making new memories. Their mother, Tom’s daughter, Nicole, was his favorite daughter, his only daughter. She took after him, and he loved spending time with her, watching her become the strong and wonderful woman she is today.An avid guitar player and singer, Tom was thought of as a rock star by his family. A leading member of many bands over the years, Tom worked tirelessly to hone his skills. Tom was proud of his band Younghearts. It included his brother, Doug, at lead guitar whom he loved greatly and shared a deep friendship with. He really enjoyed going to open-mic nights to share his talent with others and to be among his peers. He shared his love of music with his sons, Chris and particularly Justin. Tom loved listening to live music and took pride in all the concerts he had been to over the years, especially the ones that he shared with his family and friends.
Tom loved the Philadelphia Eagles (the Birds) and 76ers.For many years, he was a season pass holder for both teams and took work associates, friends, and his family as often as he could. Tom did not only watch sports but was an athlete as well. In his younger days, he and his friend would run for miles around town. Growing up, he played soccer and was the captain of his high school wrestling team. Tom enjoyed riding bikes and even commuted a long distance to work at times. Tom shared these passions with his children by coaching them in soccer and teaching them to ride bikes at an early age. Many a time, when they went down the shore, they would ride bikes on the boardwalk together. Tom introduced his children to skiing and snowboarding, boating, waterskiing/tubing, hiking, and motorsports. Tom rode a Harley when he could find time. For many years, Tom enjoyed golf. In his golden years, he played racquetball and tennis often. All of these things he shared with his family and encouraged them to be their best.
Above all, Tom truly loved his wife Linda (née Lassor) Knoblauch, mother to his three children, Justin, Christopher, and Nicole. They met when they were young and wound up spending 43 wonderful years together. At times, Linda was a secretary for the construction company and worked alongside Tom. They raised a loving family. They traveled the world, going to places like Jamaica, South Africa, Bermuda, the Grand Canyon, and Niagara Falls. They worked hard and played equally as hard. They watched Philly sports religiously. They had a full life together, everything one could want.
Along with his parents, Tom was predeceased by his siblings Sandy, Billy, Kenny, Larry, and Marie “Bird.”
He will be deeply and truly missed by his wife Linda Knoblauch and their children Nicole, Christopher, Justin, and Kenverlyn (Tom’s daughter-in-law), along with his dear grandchildren Jordan, Alexa, and soon-to-be-born baby Knoblauch, and also by his siblings Georgeanne, Jimmy, Walt, Mazy, Connie, May, Steven, Doug, and Rob.