Hampton & Karen Knelly
Clinton Community College President Ken Knelly stands with Hampton and Karen Knelly as two campus spaces are named in their honor.
Hampton Knelly Loading Dock
Institute for Advanced Manufacturing
Dedicated Sept. 4, 2026
Hampton Knelly
- 38 Years at Montgomery Ward
- 24+ Years at Koons Ford
A native of Philadelphia, Pa., Hamp Knelly centered his life around family and work. Close to his parents, grandparents, and extended family — and later his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren — he found joy in experiences. This ranged from vacations — to the Jersey Shore or across the country — to activities, like classic cars, model trains, and tenpin bowling.
With time in the U.S. Army Reserves after high school, Hamp served his nation. He also began a nearly four-decade career with one of America's largest retailers of the day, Montgomery Ward. His vocation included sales, inventory control, deliveries, and management. He sold everything from boats and bicycles to office furniture and appliances. When Wards closed after 128 years in business, Hamp found a second career in the automobile industry. His work at Koons Ford of Baltimore, one of the country's largest dealer groups, became itself a lengthy career, building on his inventory and service experiences.
Working full-time into his 80s, his legendary work ethic served him well. While he did not earn a college degree, Hamp valued higher education and supported his son and grandchildren in their pursuits, enabling generations to serve others. Loading docks and deliveries were a part of all his positions, making this dedicated space a fitting tribute to a career and lifetime.
Karen J. Knelly, R.N., Mental Health Room
Classroom 304 - Nursing & EMS Suite at CVPH
Dedicated Sept. 4, 2026
Karen J. Knelly, R.N.
- 1963 – 1975 Hospital Nurse; Union Memorial, Sinai, Greater Baltimore Medical Center
- 1975 – 2010 School Nurse; Baltimore County Public Schools
Living a life in service to others, Karen Knelly focused her nursing career in two directions. First, after graduating from a three-year nursing school program at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore, Md., she served at three different medical facilities. Her longest tenure was on Unit 41 at GBMC, a dedicated surgical floor specializing in eye, ear, nose, and throat care and services. She traditionally worked the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift, allowing for more time to participate in activities with her young son.
Next, in 1975 Karen moved to what would become her primary professional focus, working with elementary-age students at schools in metropolitan Baltimore. This included Sandy Plains Elementary in Dundalk, Md. and Bedford Elementary in Lochearn, Md. As a health professional, Karen enjoyed these days with young minds eager to learn healthy habits and as a caring voice of assurance in times of need.
In her home life, Karen loved being a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and resource for most anyone who had a question related to medicine. She generously assisted elderly parents, in-laws, and others in need. No detail was too small, her focus on the whole person—in keeping with the Florence Nightingale Pledge—was deep and lasting. Hers is truly a life lived “devoted towards the welfare of those committed to (her) care.”
