Honor Peter Knoblock’s Legacy

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.