George Knoblock

Posted on November 26, 2025

George Knoblock, 99, passed away at home in Lakeland on Nov. 18, 2025.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, and loving family.

He was formerly of New Port Richey, where he served as city manager from 1969 to 1972, then later, Pasco County administrator.

George became a Carnegie Medal recipient following his heroic, nighttime Pithlachascotee River rescue of a small child from a submerged car.

Knoblock saved Barbara Ammons from drowning in New Port Richey on Feb. 9, 1971.

Barbara, 2, was trapped inside an air bubble in an automobile that had plunged into the river and sank into deep water.

The driver and another passenger escaped, as did Barbara’s mother, who was aided to the bank by a police officer.

With a patrolman using a flashlight to point out the area where the sedan had sunk, Knoblock, then 44, swam 50 feet from the bank and made a number of surface dives in the cold water.

Twice he extended his upper body through an open window of the automobile, searching for Barbara. When he found her in the air pocket, he took her to the surface and then to the bank, where she was revived.

Knoblock retired to Lakeland from Perry, following the sale of the Perry Insurance Agency.

He had a lifelong passion for running and cycling, in which he competed for many years. He cycled his last Senior Games race at the age of 91, winning gold.

As a young man he served in the Merchant Marines as a radio officer; years later he became a licensed pilot, and he always enjoyed telling others of his many adventures through life.

A private gathering, limited to close family, will be held to honor George’s life.