Joshua D. Knuchel, age 35, of Eastlake, passed away Friday, May, 25, 2018, at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio. He was born on November 20, 1982 in Painesville, Ohio.
Josh was a certified high School math teacher and loved to teach; being with kids made him happier than anything else. He worked and volunteered at church, in the schools, and in the community. He channeled his love of sports into managing, doing stats for, cheering on, and coaching kids in his community. He kept the books for the Eastlake North Bingo to make sure local students had financial help to play sports. He volunteered at church and at the Eastlake PAL center for many years. He loved photography, music, festivals, being with friends, and after his lung transplant in November was eager to try hiking, and wanted to take a road trip to visit friends this summer.
Joshua was known for his hard work, attention to detail, gentle humor, compassion and friendliness. Despite his struggles with cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and other difficult challenges, Joshua was known for his positive attitude and never wanted the attention to be on him. His work with youth, and the times he had with his niece and nephews were treasured times.
Joshua wished to be an organ donor, having been the recipient of a double lung transplant in November, so those wishes were honored, an extension of his life of giving.
His family has said, “As devastated as we are, we are so grateful for the blessing of who he was to each of us, and for the time we had to share. Words cannot express how deeply he will be missed.”
He is survived by his loving parents, David and Jodie (nee Hancock) Knuchel; beloved brother of Benjamin Knuchel and Elizabeth (Shawn) McPeak; devoted uncle of Tyler, Mikayla, Hayden and Logan McPeak; grandson of Nora and Allen Hancock, Nancy and the late Karl Knuchel; nephew and cousin of many.
Visitation will held 2-8 PM Friday, June 1, 2018 at Jeff Monreal Funeral Home, 6330 Center Street, Mentor. Funeral Mass 10 AM Saturday at Jeff Monreal Funeral Home.
Burial will be at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Chagrin Falls.
