Senate Resolution No. 1314
BY: Senator MAY
MOURNING the death of Peter Knoblock,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavors
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Peter Knoblock, of Syracuse, New York, died on Friday,
December 26, 2025, at the age of 91; and
WHEREAS, Peter Knoblock was born in Passaic, New Jersey, during the
Depression; during his early years, his family moved frequently which
caused him to seek a settled "home" foundation in adulthood; and
WHEREAS, At the University of Michigan, Peter Knoblock was among the
first to receive a joint doctorate degree in psychology and education;
his interest in integrated education began while working with a small
group of children with Down Syndrome; and
WHEREAS, In 1962, Peter Knoblock came to Syracuse University, where
he spent 34 years as Professor of Special Education, preparing teachers
to work with children with special needs; he also pioneered a
field-based teacher education program in which his students worked daily
in the Syracuse schools; and
WHEREAS, In the late 1960s, a small group of parents in Syracuse
gathered at May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society Church; at that
time, alternative schooling, defined as child-led, experiential, and
diverse learning, was becoming popular in America; and
WHEREAS, These pioneering parents desired to provide an alternative
type of educational setting which traditional public schools could not;
thus, Jowonio School was established; "Jowonio" is derived from the
Onondaga Nation's language, meaning "to set free"; and
WHEREAS, Although Jowonio School did not begin as a school for
children with special needs, it quickly developed in that manner as
people became increasingly aware of alternative education; and
WHEREAS, Jowonio School, the first of its kind, had its humble
beginning in Peter Knoblock's basement in 1969; a nonprofit school,
where children of all abilities could learn together, became the new
model of the American preschool; and
WHEREAS, Today, more than 56 years later, Jowonio School continues
its mission to provide a model that is an inclusive educational
environment where students of all abilities are supported to learn and
grow together, reaching their full potential; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the decades, Peter Knoblock was active in many
local organizations, including Parents for Public Schools (PPS),
Alliance for Communities Transforming Syracuse (ACTS), and the Early
Childhood Alliance; and
WHEREAS, A PhD Professor Emeritus at Syracuse University, Peter
Knoblock received the Mary Ficchi Lifetime Achievement in Education
Award in 2011, bestowed upon him by the Parents for Public Schools; for
his leadership in education, he earned the Post-Standard Person of
Achievement Award in 2012; and
WHEREAS, Following his retirement from Syracuse University, Peter
Knoblock served as a docent for the Everson Museum of Art and realized
his dream of opening a private psychology practice; additionally, he
authored many scholarly articles and books; and
WHEREAS, Peter Knoblock is survived by his wife and partner of 42
years, Joy Casey; daughter, Ana Knoblock (Michael Dieffenbach); sons,
Todd (Kathy) Knoblock, Gary Knoblock, Craig Knoblock (Claire Bono); and
grandchildren, Alex and Margaret Knoblock; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Peter Knoblock leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Peter Knoblock, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Peter Knoblock.
