Dennis T. Knowles

Dennis T. Knowles, 85, of Kennebunk, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Seal Rock Healthcare in Saco following a period of declining health.

Dennis was born in Hartland, Maine, on August 9, 1941, the son of Thurlow and Hilma (Smith) Knowles. He grew up in Corinna, where he attended local schools and graduated from Corinna Union Academy in 1959. A natural leader even as a young man, Dennis served as president of his graduating class.

Following high school, Dennis continued his education at the University of Maine, graduating in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy. While in college, he was a proud member of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity.

Dennis began his working life with the Bangor Water District before eventually accepting a position with the Sanford Water District. What followed was a long and distinguished career dedicated to providing an essential service to the community. Dennis spent 31 years with the Sanford Water District, ultimately serving as superintendent before retiring at the age of 70.

Throughout his career, Dennis earned the respect of colleagues throughout Maine’s water utility profession. He served as president of the Maine Water Utilities Association and was honored with the Jeff Nixon Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his contributions to the field. He also served as president of the Southern Maine Regional Water Council. During his years with the Sanford Water District, Dennis oversaw the development of three new sources of water supply as well as the construction and implementation of the district’s SCADA system. He approached his work as he approached most things in life—with dedication, patience, attention to detail and a desire to do the job well.

Dennis was also a longtime member of North Parish Congregational Church in Sanford, where he served for many years as a trustee. His willingness to serve reflected an important part of who he was. Dennis did not need recognition or attention; if something needed to be done, he simply did what he could to help.

By nature, Dennis was quiet and reserved. He was not necessarily one to seek out a crowd or be the first to start a conversation, but anyone who took the time to talk with him quickly discovered how much he enjoyed visiting with people. His family affectionately described him as perhaps “the most social introvert you would ever meet.” Behind his quiet manner was a kind, thoughtful man who genuinely enjoyed people and was always willing to lend a hand.

Above all else, Dennis was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was an exceptionally hard worker who took great pride in providing for those he loved. His family could always count on him. Whatever needed to be done, Dennis was willing to do it, never making a fuss and never asking for anything in return.

His grandchildren held an especially treasured place in his heart. Dennis loved spending time with them, playing with them and simply enjoying the happiness they brought into his life. As the years passed and his family grew to include great-grandchildren, he had even more reasons to be proud.

Dennis lived his life quietly, but the impact he made was anything but small. Through his decades of service to the community, his church involvement, his kindness toward others and, most importantly, his devotion to his family, he leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dependability and love. Those who knew him will remember a good and decent man—a man who could always be counted on, who was willing to help whenever help was needed, and who loved his family deeply. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and all those whose lives he touched.

Dennis was predeceased by his first wife, Lois Nowell Knowles, in 1999; his parents, Thurlow and Hilma Knowles; and his brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Kathy Knowles.

He is lovingly survived by his wife, Rose “Penny” Knowles of Kennebunk; his children, Denise Butler and her husband, Norman, of Kennebunk, Stephen Knowles and his wife, Michelle, of Casco, Todd Berry and his wife, Wendy, of Buxton, and Jaime Stevens and her husband, Rich, of Hollis; his grandchildren, Anwen Heister and her husband, Bryen, Case Butler and his wife, Natasha, Raelyn Knowles, Maddy Stevens and TJ Berry; and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Larry Knowles of Texas and Elaine Knowles and her husband, Donnie, of Brewer, Maine, as well as extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 28, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Black-Heald & Walker Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale, Maine.  A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, at North Parish Congregational Church, 895 Main Street, Sanford, Maine.

Dennis’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Affinity Hospice for the kindness, care and compassion they showed Dennis and his family during his period of declining health. Their support and gentle care brought comfort during a difficult time and will always be remembered with appreciation.