Donna Joan Knoche

Donna Joan Knoche, 75, of Ridgefield, wife of John B. Knoche Sr., died on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at her home, peacefully, surrounded by her family.

Donna was born in Danbury on December 21, 1950 to Harold Chaffee and Marie Garrison Bruciati and raised from the age of seven in Ridgefield by Ero ‘Pie’ Bruciati and his wife Theresa.

She attended St. Mary School-Ridgefield and Immaculate High School graduating with the Class of 1968.

Upon graduating from high school Donna was employed by a construction company in Ridgefield.  She married John on June 12, 1971 at St. Mary Church.  Upon starting a family, she left the workforce for a brief time to raise her family as caring for her family was her first priority.  Donna was later employed by Knoche Electric, LLC as bookkeeper & secretary and by the Ridgefield Public School system in various capacities, ultimately retiring as a special education clerical paraprofessional.

She was a member of St. Mary Church of Ridgefield.

Donna cherished spending time with her family and grandchildren, attending their sporting events and school events.  Donna was known for her beautiful holiday cooking trays.  She also enjoyed reading, crocheting, and taking daily walks with her friend Barbara Romano.

In addition to her husband John B. Knoche Sr., she is survived by three children; Two daughters, Barbara Pahutski and her husband Thomas and Lisa Brown and her husband Ken, a son, John B. Knoche Jr. and his wife Danielle. She is also survived by a brother, Gary Chaffee, and his wife, Mary, and seven grandchildren: Lauren Pahutski, Jack Pahutski, Ryan Pahutski, Steven Brown, David Brown, John “Trip” Knoche III, Emersyn Knoche, and cousins, Ann Bruciati and Karen Turner, in-laws, nieces, nephews and many friends.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister Patti Myer and cousin Rick Bruciati.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 10 AM in St. Mary Church, Ridgefield.

Friends will be received in the Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield on Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Meals on Wheels, 25 Gilbert St., Ridgefield, CT 06877 or to Regional Hospice and Home Care, 30 Milestone Rd., Danbury, CT 06810.