Colonel (Ret.) Daniel G. “Dean” Kniola, 77, of Crescent, passed away peacefully on July 2nd, 2026. He was born on December 30th, 1948, and is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Judith (Schnippert), his son, Major Scott Kniola (USAF, Ret.) and his wife, Bridget, Daughter-in-Law, Maggie, and three grown grandchildren, Samuel T., Olivia R., and Maxwel T., his sisters, Mary Grace (Mike) Landrum, and Kathleen Repko, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son ,Todd and his grandson, Joseph.

Retired Colonel Dean was a 1970 graduate of the USAF Academy (AFA) and retired honorably after 28 years active duty, earning the rank of Colonel and a Master’s Degree in Engineering Physics. He served as a laser project engineer, Asst. Prof. of Mathematics at the AFA, Vice Commander of an engineering analysis center, Assoc. Dir. of the Joint Communications Engineering Center in Washington DC, Commander of a nuclear forensics laboratory, and in other technical leadership positions. When he retiring from the AFA, he worked 10 years as Director of Market Research for BNY Mellon Inc. in Pittsburgh. His interest in graphic design led to placements of his artwork in regional museum juried shows and two pieces in the AFA Art Collection, including a 64-foot “Space Age” mural at the USAF Academy. He was especially blessed to serve in various roles in the Knights of Columbus Council 2555. He also coordinated the ChristLife program at a parish in Pittsburgh’s South Hills for five years and served on parish councils.

Viewings will be held on Monday, July 6th from 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday, July 7th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., at Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, Coraopolis, who was in charge of his arrangements.

A Mass of Christian Burial will also be held on Wednesday, July 8th at 10 a.m. at St Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 1304 4th Avenue, Coraopolis.