Richard F Knight

Monson-Richard F. Knight, 92, of Monson passed away peacefully at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield on July 23, 2022. Son of the late Fredrick W. and Sophie (Puchta) Knight.  He grew up in Monson where he attended Monson schools and graduated in 1947. He was drafted into the US Army in 1951 and served in Korea at Punch Bowl, Heartbreak Ridge, and Kogido Island.  He was in the 25th division 35th Infantry Easy Company. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Courage and Leadership and the Meritorious Achievement Award. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Patricia Lynch in 1951. After being honorably discharged from the US Army, he started work at Western Mass Electric Co and was a resident of East Longmeadow, and worked there for 38 years. He retired in 1991 and moved back to Monson for the remainder of his life.  He was an avid fisherman and sportsman including golf, racquetball, bowling, and softball. He was inducted into the Monson High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008 for being an outstanding three-sport athlete who excelled in Soccer, Basketball, and Baseball for four years of High School. He earned 12 varsity letters, and was also scouted by the Red Sox. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughter Debbie DaSilva and son Skip Knight and wife Rena, brother David Knight, grandsons Brian and Michael DaSilva and Richie Knight, granddaughter Kristin Conner, 7 great grandchildren, niece and goddaughter Moira Hatton, and many other nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Pat, son-in-law John DaSilva, and brothers Fred and George Knight.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held Thursday, July28, 2022 at 11am in Hillside Cemetery.  Please use the Thompson Street entrance to the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation in Richard's name to the Monson Fire Dept. Ambulance Fund PO BOX 335 Monson, MA 01057.