Robert Joseph Knott Jr.

Robert Joseph Knott Jr. (1957–2026), known to family and friends as Bob, passed away at his home in Naples, Florida. Born on May 23, 1957, Bob lived a life defined by devotion to his family and a distinguished career in law enforcement.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Robert J. Knott and Elaine J. Knott, and his sister, Donna S. Knott.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Cole Knott; his son Robert Joseph Knott III and daughter in law Alisa Stevens Knott of Sandwich, Massachusetts; his daughter Sarah Elizabeth Knott; and his cherished grandchildren Jackson D. Knott, Ava M. Knott, and Madison G. Knott, who were the great joy of his life. He is also survived by his sister Carol Knott Moeller and her husband Michael Moeller of Hudson, New Hampshire, and his brother Thomas Knott and his wife Lisa McCoy Knott of Boston, Massachusetts.

After graduating from Westfield High School, Bob moved to Cape Cod, where he built both his career and his family life. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University and later a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College. Bob dedicated more than 30 years to law enforcement, beginning with the Harwich Police Department and later joining the Massachusetts State Police in 1985.

Throughout his career, Bob served as a Trooper, Sergeant with the Cape & Islands District Attorney’s Office specializing in homicide and computer crime investigations, and ultimately as a Lieutenant and Station Commander in Bourne and South Yarmouth. He retired on December 31, 2009, after 30½ years of service to the citizens of Cape Cod.

Following retirement, Bob continued to serve the profession as a Professor of Criminal Justice at Florida Southwestern State College, where he took great pride in mentoring and teaching future law enforcement professionals.

Above all else, Bob treasured time with his family. He especially loved sailing the waters of New England with his wife Elizabeth and his children, Robert and Sarah. He was an accomplished photographer and together with his wife, founded Cape Cod Weddings & Portraits. Bob found joy in sharing his interests with his children through coaching youth sports, taking music lessons together, and creating lasting family memories.

Bob will be remembered for his steady leadership, dedication to service, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy lives on through his wife, children, grandchildren, and the many lives he touched as a law enforcement officer, teacher, mentor, and friend.

Services will be private.