The world — and the Knittle family — have lost a beautiful and gentle light.
Emma Catherine Knittle, of Marblehead and Allston, Massachusetts, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the age of 28. Born in Salem, Massachusetts, on March 11, 1998, Emma brought immeasurable joy to her family from the moment she arrived, completing the family alongside her two older brothers.
Emma possessed a radiant smile, a compassionate heart, and a gentle, sensitive spirit. She approached life with boundless energy, curiosity and a love of adventure. Fiercely committed to justice, Emma was a tireless advocate for those whose voices often went unheard. She volunteered for causes close to her heart, stood up against injustice, and believed deeply in the dignity and worth of every person.
Exceptionally intelligent and endlessly creative, Emma found joy in reading, writing, playing the guitar, composing music and singing. She loved sailing on the open sea, especially when the winds were strong, and cherished skiing the snow-covered slopes of Killington and Mont Tremblant. She was writing a novel, developing a screenplay, and faithfully filling journals with her thoughts, observations and dreams. A gifted artist with a vivid imagination, Emma viewed the world through a uniquely creative lens.
Emma earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Salem State University in 2022 after graduating from Marblehead High School in 2016. She was a talented writer, an engaging public speaker and, for a time, an inspiring high school English teacher whose passion for literature left a lasting impression on her students. Just weeks before her passing, she delivered a heartfelt reading at her brother Brad’s wedding, a moment her family will forever treasure.
Those who knew Emma will remember not only her intelligence and creativity, but also her kindness, empathy and unwavering authenticity. She had a remarkable ability to make others feel seen, heard and valued. Her beauty radiated not only from her appearance but from the generosity of her heart.
Emma is survived by her devoted parents, Mimi and Marc Knittle of Marblehead; her beloved brother, Brad Knittle, and his wife, Adrienne (Ciccone) Knittle, also of Marblehead; her grandmothers, Jean Davis of Plymouth, Massachusetts, and Joyce Knittle of Cary, North Carolina; her aunts and uncles, Janine and Garrick Connelly of Barrington, Rhode Island; Tammy and Mark Bevan of Cary, North Carolina; Lois and Tony Greico of Williamsport, Pennsylvania; and Nancy and Howard Sawhill of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; along with many loving cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was predeceased by her beloved brother, Christopher Knittle; her grandfathers, Dr. Galal Ahmed and Daniel F. Knittle; her aunt Barbara Morrone and uncle Frank Morrone; and her step-grandfather, Marshall Davis.
Emma’s family finds comfort in knowing that her love, compassion, creativity and courageous spirit will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched. Though her time with us was far too brief, the impact she made was immeasurable, and she will be deeply missed every day.
A funeral Mass was celebrated at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead on Saturday, July 18. Burial followed at Waterside Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Emma’s name to the Salem Athenaeum, honoring her lifelong love of literature, learning, creativity and the written word.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Emma’s loved ones may be shared at eustisandcornellfunerlahome.com.
