The family behind an independent theme park has announced the passing of one of its, and the amusement sector’s, most dedicated stewards.
Richard “Dick” Knoebel, President Emeritus of Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, USA has died at the age of 87. Having served as the resort’s president from 1988 until he transitioned to emeritus status in 2025, he guided the family-owned attraction through nearly four decades of expansion. Throughout this period, he steadfastly maintained the traditional values, sense of community, and free admission model that have come to define the venue.
Born into the family business, he dedicated his entire life to the stewardship of the park. Known for possessing an engineer’s mind coupled with the determination of a former Marine, his management style was characterised by a refusal to accept that things could not be done. This hands-on approach saw him regularly walking the park grounds, inspecting ongoing projects, and interacting with both staff members and visitors. According to the resort, nothing brought him more joy than walking the site as carousel organs played, whether he was checking operations, sharing a meal, or camping with his own relatives.
An industry influence
During his tenure, he worked alongside his family and the park team to oversee the creation and preservation of numerous classic rides, including Phoenix, Twister, Flying Turns, Haunted Mansion, and Black Diamond. His influence also extended far beyond the borders of his own park through decades of service to the wider sector. He held leadership roles within the Pennsylvania Amusement Parks and Attractions (PAPA) as well as the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), culminating in his induction into the IAAPA Hall of Fame in 2014.
A lasting legacy
A joint statement from the Knoebel family read: “Dick’s legacy lives on in every laugh, every ride, and every tradition that makes Knoebels feel like home. He loved this park, he loved the guests who made it special, and he loved the team who cared for it each and every day.”
His youngest son and current Knoebels president, Brian Knoebel, reflected on his father’s relentless dedication to the visitor experience.
“At the conclusion of each trip he took around the park, I was handed a To-Do List. With his last breath, he did everything he could to make Knoebels the greatest destination on earth,” he added.
Preceded in death by his wife Barbara in 2009, he is survived by his sons, Rick and Brian, He is also survived by his granddaughters Haley, Abby, Hannah, and Ashley, his brother Buddy, his sister Leanna Muscato and a wider extended family. The family expressed deep gratitude to his devoted caretaker, Jeannie Reedy, for her compassionate companionship in his later years.
Details regarding memorial services and opportunities for industry peers and guests to pay their respects will be shared by the resort in the coming days.
