All photos: courtesy Knoebels Amusement Resort. View full-sized image.
The “facts” of Dick Knoebel’s life aren’t adequate to express his legacy to his family, Knoebels Amusement Resort and his community, which includes amusement park enthusiasts as well as the amusement industry. Born into the family that founded Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, in 1926, Dick worked at the park from an early age and later earned a degree in engineering geophysics from Lehigh University. He served as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1962 to 1965. In 1968, he married Barbara Cook, and they had two sons, Rick and Brian. Dick was president of Knoebels from 1988 to 2025, after which Brian assumed the presidency and Dick became president emeritus.
In addition to overseeing the growth of the park, which includes the Crystal Pool and campground operations, Dick should be credited with continuing the park traditions that have endeared him to amusement park enthusiasts, such as free parking, free park admission and commitment to the acquisition and preservation of rides both old and new. Dick was active as a leader in the Pennsylvania Amusement Parks & Attractions and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) and was inducted into the IAAPA Hall of Fame.
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Coaster enthusiasts are especially grateful to Dick and the Knoebels team for moving the Rocket from Texas to Knoebels to become Phoenix; the construction of Twister, which John Fetterman adapted from John Allen's original plans for Mr. Twister (Elitch Gardens); the seven-year project to develop a new Flying Turns; and the rescue of Golden Nugget at the Jersey shore to become Black Diamond.
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View full-sized image.
ACE members are also grateful to Dick and Knoebels for creating the Phoenix Phall Phunfest. This early October Halloween-themed event began in 1986 as an enthusiast gathering to celebrate the relocation of Rocket to Knoebels and its rebirth as Phoenix. The event has evolved over the years but usually includes a swapmeet, dinner, ERT on Phoenix, entertainment, a bonfire and closing comments from Dick and his sons on park news.
Dick lived long enough to celebrate the park’s 100-year anniversary on July 4. Although much more could be said about his accomplishments, ACE News thought it would be more meaningful in an ACE publication to share excerpts of tributes to Dick that ACEers posted on social media, beginning with a heartfelt one from the park’s ACE region.
ACE Eastern Pennsylvania
Dick's life was defined by an unwavering commitment to bringing joy to others. For generations of enthusiasts, Knoebels Amusement Resort was more than an amusement resort — it was a place where traditions were born, laughter echoed through the midway and memories lasted a lifetime. Dick helped ensure that this spirit endured while remaining true to the values upon which Knoebels was built.
He understood that success was never measured simply by attendance or accolades, but by the smiles of children riding their first carousel, grandparents sharing stories on a park bench, and families returning year after year to make new memories together. He believed that every guest should feel welcome and every visit should feel like coming home.
Those who knew Dick personally will remember the park growing up the Knoebels way. This meant they creatively used the park’s surroundings to craft the park’s identity, reused and moved buildings like the Olde Mill and Round Stand, accumulated classic attractions like Rock-O-Plane and Looper and added new, modern rides like Impulse and Power Surge. One-of-a-kind attractions like Black Diamond, Flying Turns, Phoenix and Twister will never be matched. He led not from behind a desk, but by example — walking the park, greeting guests, supporting employees and never losing sight of the people who made Knoebels so special.
His legacy extends far beyond rides and attractions. The treasured relationship that he and his team have built with the American Coaster Enthusiasts is and will forever be cherished. We’ll always remember him as a fixture at Eastcoaster, our annual off-season event, and his uncanny ability to recall stories from decades ago.
Knoebels’ annual Phoenix Phall Phunfest is one of the most anticipated events every year. Dick always loved to serenade attendees with a few tunes, including his favorite, “Ring of Fire,” by Johnny Cash. He always closed out the event with a quick speech and announcements about what was coming to the park next year. . . .
Although we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a remarkable life — one that created joy for the amusement park enthusiast community and the generations of families that visited Knoebels. May we remember Richard "Dick" Knoebel with gratitude, celebrate his extraordinary legacy and find comfort in knowing that the happiness he created will continue for generations to come.
ACE Europe
With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to Dick Knoebel. We are deeply saddened by his passing and feel grateful to have known him. Dick's kindness, warmth and generosity left a lasting impression on so many of us. He had a way of bringing people together, making us smile and reminding us of what truly matters. . . .
Many of us from ACE Europe traveled specifically to Knoebels Grove, Pennsylvania. It was such a special and unique place, well worth the long trip. . . . We will miss you dearly, Dick. Thank you for everything.
Bill Buckley
Dick was more than a friend — he was a mentor and an inspiration to me. He was a living testament to what hard work and determination can accomplish.
l will take forward many special memories. But the greatest of all were those times of being with Dick and listening to him recount stories of the park, and of his life. I’ll forever be grateful to have been an audience to the tales of his incredible journey!! . . .
With an engineer's mind and a Marine's determination, he believed there was always a way forward. He simply refused to accept "it can't be done" as an answer.
Brad Dutterer
Really don’t have the words to describe what this guy meant to me when I was working in the industry and active with ACE. Dick Knoebel was, is and always will be a LEGEND in my eyes. . . . His park has given me so many great memories.
Samantha Hewston
Dick was an inspiration to everyone in the industry and set high standards for amusement parks. He was a strong advocate for preservation of roller coasters and making sure families had amazing memories at Knoebels. The park just celebrated 100 years and what an amazing accomplishment, and it's all because of Dick's ambition, passion and the legacy he has created. Two of the most iconic roller coasters are all because of Dick's vision and love in the industry. . . .
Bill Linkenheimer III
My encounters with Dick Knoebel have resulted in countless memories. One of my favorites took place during the course of the 1998 IAAPA trade show that took place in Dallas. I had just taken office as president of ACE, and, in light of Knoebels hosting the 1999 ACE Preservation Conference, invited Dick and his family to dinner. That was my first experience getting to know them on a personal level, and what an experience it was! The steakhouse dinner that blended ACE leaders and members of the Knoebel family at a long table was a lively and jovial one that I'll never forget. Barbara, Dick's wife, made sure that no food was wasted, with plates being passed to complete the mission. It was an experience that never left Dick's memory either, as for decades later he would proudly share with others, "ACE took me to dinner!"
Janine Rebbie Matscherz
We lost a treasure amongst us yesterday. To me, he was Mr. Knoebel for many years; however, as I grew up and the years passed, the edges softened and it evolved from Mr. Knoebel to Dick. He became a cherished friend, he became family.
He was truly one of a kind. A hard worker, innovator, dreamer. . . . In his 87 years on earth he built a legacy that was felt by generations and will live on for generations to come. He became an amusement industry legend, and it’s a great honor to have been a part of his life.
I will miss . . .his smirks, his laughs, his stories, his ideas, his famous grunts. I’ll hold tight to our memories and funny “Dick Knoebel stories,” for many of us have quite a few.
If you’re in the area of Knoebels this year, I urge you to stop in. Grab an ice cream and sit on a bench under the shade marveling at what Dick and his family helped create and maintain for 100 years. Take a ride in honor of Dick; no doubt his presence will be felt with the carousel music and laughter in the background.
Steve O’Donnell
Mr. K. helped me live my dream by accepting me into the Flying Turns construction crew. I'm sure he helped millions of others live their dreams in the little piece of heaven that he and the Knoebel family created in Elysburg, Pennsylvania. I think we can best honor him by sharing all the great memories he helped us create.
Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.
Our hearts are heavy as PTCI mourns the loss of amusement industry legend Richard “Dick” Knoebel. Dick was first a colleague and then quickly became part of the PTCI family. His spirit was tenacious and his love for his family’s amusement park unwavering. What he helped cultivate in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, is a legacy for generations to remember.
It has been an honor to work beside him through the years and also spend personal time with Dick. He was filled with stories, ideas and of course to-do lists. . . . We miss you Dick, forever in our hearts.
Elizabeth Ringas
The world lost a kind soul and legend for his impact on the amusement industry. Dick Knoebel will certainly be missed.
Derek Shaw
On July 16, we lost Dick Knoebel, a legend in the amusement industry. I'm glad to have known him for 40+ years. Thank you for the vision you had with taking Knoebels Amusement Resort to the next level. Also, thank you for all you did to improve and enhance the amusement industry, worldwide.
Jeffrey Siebert
Today is a sad day as we mourn the passing of Dick Knoebel, a true legend and friend in the amusement park industry. His warmth, sense of humor, integrity and lifelong dedication to creating joy for others left an indelible mark on our community. Dick's legacy will continue to inspire generations of park leaders, guests and families who experienced the magic he helped create.
Linda Weisenstein
Dick always spoke his mind, and made time for any fans of his park. We have lost a true giant, but the memories are many.
Kent Zacherl
Knowing Dick was such a privilege. I’m so happy to have heard his stories first hand. Experiencing him talking passionately about the park and its history was always captivating. Without his willpower and tenacity, it’s likely that Knoebels wouldn’t exist today. . . . We should all be incredibly thankful for his service to our country and his dedication to giving us the best amusement park around.
#ACENews