Rufus J. Knowlin

We gather to celebrate the homecoming of Rufus James Knowlin (1942-2025) age 82, who peacefully departed this life on June 3, 2025.

Rufus was born in Florence, South Carolina where he attended Carver Elementary School and Wilson High School. He graduated from Claflin University (Orangeburg, SC) with a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1964.

Beginning in the late 1960’s, Rufus began his career in the health sciences with the New York Blood Center where he became the Chief Technologist. From 1969-2000, he managed various blood banks throughout the metropolitan area, keeping abreast of advances in transfusion techniques, supervising employees and managing cost centers at Harlem Hospital, Universal Biologicals, Inc, Queens General Hospital just to name a few. He was also an adjunct professor at Staten Island Community College. Rufus was one of the first persons of color to proctor the NYC Blood Bank Technician and Technologist licensing exam. After 29 years of service, he retired in 2000 from SUNY Health Science Center in Brooklyn as the supervisor of the Blood Bank and Transfusion Services.

During his attendance at Claflin University, he was inducted into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., via the Lambda Sigma Chapter in 1963. Upon his relocation to New York City, he joined the Alpha Upsilon chapter in the 1970’s. He was the recipient of the 2010 Superior Service Award through the chapter. He was an active member who was always happy to participate in volunteering and fund-raising activities. He was a proud Omega man who genuinely loved his fraternity and his brothers.

Rufus was an avid fisher who enjoyed arranging summer fishing trips with family and friends. He would generously share his catch with many loved ones. He was a basketball fan especially of the NY Knicks. A lover of blues and R&B music, he was always happy to share his favorite “oldies” with the family.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, brother and friend. He leaves behind his cherished family including his wife, Amanda Knowlin, his children, Tara Ellis, Carla Knowlin, Latrice Belfon- Kornyoh, grandchildren Ta’Lia Davis, Kia Knowlin, Nicholas Knowlin, Max Kornyoh, Raphael Kornyoh, Ava Kornyoh and his great grandchildren Logan Scott Kee, Garrett Weir II, Xavier Knowlin, and Monse’ Baron. He is also survived by siblings Cynthia Sparrow, Thomas Knowlin and Katie Knowlin, along with his many nieces, nephews and beloved cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Rufus Knowlin and Correatha Eaddy Knowlin. He is also preceded in death by his son Derek Knowlin, his sister Josie Knowlin Claiborne and brother Arthur Knowlin.

Rest in eternal peace Rufus. His kindness and love for his family will live forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.