Gregory Allen Knoblock

Gregory Allen Knoblock of Richmond, MI, passed away on March 28, 2020, after a battle with Parkinson’s disease that brought many ups and downs over the past several years. He was 73 years old. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Nancy, children Krystin Bradford, Jeff Knoblock, and Melissa McLean, grandchildren Dylan and Kyle Bradford, son-in-law Brett Bradford, daughter-in-law Erica Knoblock, sisters Venice Rioux and Carla Knoblock, many loving nieces and nephews and their families, and his cat Jake. He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Margaret Knoblock of Mt. Clemens and his in-laws Clarence and Helen Byrd of Eastpointe.

Greg was born in Detroit on January 21, 1947. He attended Chippewa Valley High School, graduating in 1965. He went on to attend Wayne State University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and met his loving bride. Greg and Nancy were married on August 7, 1970. Greg was drafted into the United States Army in October of 1971 and completed a year of service earning a National Defense Service Medal and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Upon his return, he began his long and rewarding career as an educator at East Detroit High School, and completed his Masters degree from the University of Michigan in Secondary Education in 1975. Dr. Knoblock, as he became known after earning a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University in 1985, was a beloved teacher of math and statistics to a multitude of fortunate students at the high school and university level. They remember him for his patience and entertaining sense of humor. He was able to take the often bewildering concepts of Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry and turn them into an engaging learning experience for his students. In addition, he was an early adopter of personal computer technology which he shared with students in adult education classes.

Greg served as the high school building representative for the East Detroit Federation of Teachers union for many years, and went on to serve as Vice President of the EDFT for a decade before retiring in 2003. He worked tirelessly to negotiate fair contracts for the members of his union and to represent educators at the state and federal level on various boards and committees. After retirement he continued to serve the Michigan Federation of Teachers by working part time to help districts around the state in their efforts to support teachers.

Greg was an avid swimmer, joining fellow teachers for morning laps before school, and enjoyed the Anchor Bay Aquatic Center in retirement. He loved to take his family out sailing on the lakes around the Detroit area. They also enjoyed camping, biking, swimming in the Great Lakes, and many road trips to Gulf Shores. Greg was a skilled woodworker, as well as a meticulous gardener, who was happy to give landscaping advice.

Greg passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. He is deeply missed.

A celebration of life will take place this summer or fall. Memorial contributions may be sent to the East Detroit Federation of Teachers Scholarship Trust Fund. c/o John DiDonato 30092 Mirage Court, Warren, MI 48093 or Henry Ford Hospice of Macomb. www.henryford.com/hospice