John E. McKnight

McKnight, John Edward, 76, of North Providence passed away on October 25 at RI Hospital. Jack was born on July 3, 1934 and is survived by his lifelong loving companion, Mavis McGetrick. He was one of ten children born to the late George and Agnes McKnight. His surviving brothers and sisters include George McKnight and his wife Kathryn of Tampa, Florida, Agnes Bisset and her husband Davies Bisset of Narragansett, Mae Beth McCormick of Cumberland and Graham McKnight of Pawtucket. He was predeceased by his sisters Peggie Sherry and her husband William, Barbara Gardner, Jane Bessette, and his brothers James McKnight and Peter McKnight. His survivors also include James McGetrick of Providence, Nancy Krahe of Cranston, Jane McGetrick Roach and her husband Ron of Connecticut, brother-in-law William Gardner of Narragansett, and sister-in-law Margaret McKnight of Narragansett. In addition, he is remembered lovingly by dozens of nephews and nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces and their children all over the country and the world. Jack grew up in Pawtucket, captained the 1952 LaSalle Academy basketball team, served in Korea in the United States Army, graduated from Providence College, and was awarded a Master's Degree in History from Boston College. He was an avid reader and loved to share his love of literature with others. Jack took great pleasure in gifting friends and family with books from his immense personal library. He would spend countless hours choosing the relevant topic for his intended recipient. He also travelled extensively in his earlier years.Jack was a committed educator teaching at various schools including Bradley Hospital and in the Special Education Department for the City of Providence. Following his teaching career, Jack was a legendary barman at the Blarney Stone Pub. Above all, he was a faithful member of the Catholic Church. His funeral will be held on FRIDAY at 8:45am from The RUSSELL J. BOYLE & SON Funeral Home 331 Smith St. PROVIDENCE, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Pius V Church, Providence, Interment with military honors will follow in RI Veterans Memorial CemeteryVisiting hours THURSDAY from 5to 8 pm, In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Saint Edward Food and Wellness Center, 997 Branch Avenue, Providence, RI 02904For online expressions of sympathy, visit www.boyleandsonfuneralhome.com