Arthur Kneerim (1905-2006)

Arthur Kneerim, a former USCF member from Stonington, Connecticut, died January 25, 2006 in Mystic Manor Nursing Home in Mystic, Conn. He was 100. 

He was born on December 10, 1905 in New York City, the son of Arthur W. and Elizabeth (White) Kneerim. He graduated in 1928 from Dartmouth College and was editor of his college class newsletter for 25 years. After college, he enjoyed a brief fling in the theatre with the Christopher Morley Acting Company in Hoboken, New Jersey He then entered the advertising business and became vice president at Merrill Anderson Inc. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II - learning Chinese, instructing young pilots in navigation, and seeing action in Okinawa. He retired from the U.S. Naval Reserve with the rank of commander. In 1946, he joined the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. in New York, retiring in 1970 as advertising manager. After retiring to Stonington, Mr. Kneerim became very active in community affairs there. 

He was an avid chess player but never acquired an over-the-board rating. He was also an ardent sailor. 

He is survived by his wife, Lee Kneerim of Stonington; a daughter, Jill Kneerim of Brookline, Mass.; a son, William Kneerim of Guilford, Conn.; two grandchildren; and a sister.