MONUMENT BEACH, Mass. John I. Knutila, 77, died unexpectedly, Oct. 27, 2006, at his home. He was born Jan. 31, 1929, in Helsinki, Finland, to Bertel and Irja Knuutila. He was also raised by his stepmother, Ruth Knuutila. He was the loving husband of Anita C. Knutila. He lived primarily in Finland, until immigrating to the United States in 1952. He served in his adopted country in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, retiring as a technical sergeant. Upon retiring from the Air Force, he again served his country as a civilian electronics technician for the Massachusetts Air National Guard at Otis Air Force Base. He retired after 23 years. In the U.S. Air Force, he moved frequently. Upon retiring, he moved to Bourne, Mass., with his family in 1974. John was an active member of his church, St. John the Evangelist. He volunteered in a wide variety of positions at St. John’s, including usher; a member of the St. Vincent De Paul society, working at bingo and providing various carpentry services. He also received an associate’s degree from Cape Cod Community College. John is survived by his wife of 43 years, Anita (Cyr); his two children, Kristina and Erik; his six grandchildren, Brandon, Jessica, Marlena, Amanda, Sara and Monique; and two brothers, Kai and Klaus; and one sister, Kristi, who still live in Finland. Friends may visit 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1, at Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 40 MacArthur Blvd., Bourne, Mass. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, at St. John the Evangelist, at the intersection of Shore and Barlow’s Landing Road, Pocasset, Mass. Burial will be held immediately after service at the National Cemetery, at Otis Air National Guard Base. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his name to the Bourne Public Library, 19 Sandwhich Road, Bourne, MA 02532. nickersonbounrefuneralhome.com
JOHN I. KNUTILA
