Charles J. Knowles, Former HS Teacher, Athletic Director

Charles J. Knowles, 64 died on Saturday at his Bensalem residence after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family. Born in Bremerhaven, Germany to Dr. Charles A. and Margaret B. (nee Barron) Knowles, he was a lifelong Bensalem resident. 

He attended St. Charles Borromeo Grade School, LaSalle College High School, LaSalle University, graduating in 1971 with a BA in biology; and Temple University, graduating in 1977 with a Master of Education degree in science.

He taught biology and physical science at North Catholic High School from 1971-1982 and taught biology and chemistry at Bishop Egan High School–later known as Conwell-Egan High School from 1982-2004.

Since 2004 he had served as Athletic Director at Norristown Area High School. He also served as Athletic Director at Conwell-Egan Catholic High School in Fairless Hills from 1993-2004.

He was freshman head football coach, assistant varsity football coach and junior varsity baseball coach at North Catholic High School from 1971-1975. He was assistant varsity football coach at Bishop Egan High School from 1976-1984 and head coach from 1985-1990. 

Knowles was head football coach at Morrisville High School from 1991-1992 and Conwell-Egan High School from 1994-1998.

His 1986 Bishop Egan team was the Philadelphia Catholic League Northern Division Champion and his Morrisville teams were Bicentennial League Champions Independence League Champions (1992) and District One Champions (1992). 

He was recognized as multiple times as Football Coach of The Year by the Philadelphia Catholic League, the Bicentennial League, the Independence League and the Toyota Football Clinic.

He was a member of the Executive Council of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association, a Certified Athletic Administrator, former vice-chair (1996-1998) and Chair (1998-2000) of the Philadelphia Catholic League Board of Directors, a friend of the Triangle Club of Momtgomery County, a member and psst Grand Knight of St. Charles Borromeo Council #4279 Knights of Columbus and a member of the St. John Neumann Assembly 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.

He enjoyed walking his dog, Monk, at Neshaminy State Park.

Knowles was the husband of 38 years of Sandra Knowles (nee Nawrocki); father of Chuck, Mike and Donna Knowles; and grandfather of David, Klaudia and Jocelyn.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Fluehr Funeral Home, 864 Bristol Pike in Bensalem, or Saturday from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 1731 Hulmeville Road in Bemsalem. His funeral mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. Rite of Committal Resurrection Cemetery in Bensalem.