Lillian Knapik 1929-2026

Lillian, affectionately known as “Lil,” was born May 13, 1929, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Cyril and Kate Harvischak Fayta, and was a lifelong area resident.

She was a 1947 graduate of Chaney High School and devoted her life to lovingly raising and caring for her family.

Lil also worked outside the home as a payroll clerk for Strouss in downtown Youngstown and later as a bookkeeper for Mutual of New York Insurance.

Lil was a member of the former Holy Name of Jesus Church and currently a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish. She was also a member of the Slovak Catholic Sokol Group 17 Wreath 132 and, in her younger years, competed in various events and competitions within the organization.

Lil enjoyed beach vacations, finding treasures at garage sales, arts and crafts, reading and sharing books with her daughters, and taking bus trips with her daughter, Karen. Most of all, she cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Lillian leaves to forever cherish her memory, her two sons, David Knapik of Columbiana and Richard Knapik, with whom she shared her home; her two daughters, Marilyn (Tom) Dundon of Chesterfield, Virginia, and Karen (Raymond) Franke of Allison Park, Pa.; four grandchildren, Jenna Knapik, Allison Knapik, Stephen Franke and Jennifer Dundon (Bryan) Laubenthal; her great-grandson, Alex; and many extended family members.

Her husband, Stephen J. Knapik, whom she married Oct. 26, 1957, died June 20, 1992. A sister, Marian Walsh, also preceded Lil in death.

Family and friends may call 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.

Funeral services will begin 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 16, at the funeral home and continue with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalene Parish-St. Christine Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown.

Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown, where Lil will be laid to rest beside her beloved Steve.

Lil’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and thanks to the staff at Windsor House-Canfield for their kindness and compassionate care.

Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to send condolences to Lil’s family.

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