CORNING: John F. Knight, 74, of Corning, formerly of Bath, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday (Jan. 16, 2018) at Guthrie Corning Hospital.
John was born June 28, 1943 in Canisteo to the late Ernest and Luella (Evingham) Knight. On August 30, 1974, he married the former Marjorie Vanderhoef who survives and resides in Corning.
John was a graduate of the former Canisteo Central School, class of 1963. He was employed over 20 years at the former Taylor Wine Company in Hammondsport and recalled fond memories of his time and co-workers there. He retired from the former Philips Lighting Co of Bath.
He and Marjorie enjoyed almost 10 years of retirement together, going on short trips as John was never one to be away from home very long. He relished many outdoor activities throughout the years including fishing, ice fishing, golfing, hunting, and enjoyed sharing these activities with his family. He was a former member of the American Rabbit Breeders Association, and showed rabbits for several years, traveling to shows around the country with his family, and winning many awards. He was a lifetime member of the Bath Elks #1547.
In his recent years he enjoyed woodworking (his pens are infamous in the family), gardening, sitting out on his back porch, where he could be found with a book, and enjoying the company of his family, particularly his grandchildren, Hannah and Lucas, who brought true joy to his life.
In addition to his wife, Marjorie, John is survived by daughter, Jennifer (Adam) Lyon of Painted Post, son, Michael (Jill) Knight of Horseheads, grandchildren: Hannah Lyon and Lucas Knight. He is also survived by brother, Rodney Knight of Canisteo, 2 sisters: Marjorie Henry of Canisteo and Carol Ritter of Hornell, sisters-in-law: Pearl Knight of Canisteo, Bobbi Knight of Cohocton, Erma (Chas) McMullen of Bradenton, FL, and brother-in-law, Richard Bacon of Bellwood, PA, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 4 brothers: Ernest, Archie, Jack and Gary Knight, and 2 sisters: Doris Knight and Linda Bacon.
The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 4:30 pm Saturday, at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 29 East Main St. in Canisteo. An Elk’s Club service will take place at 4:30 with funeral and committal services to follow. Burial will be in Hartsville Center Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to the Finger Lakes SPCA, 72 Cameron St. Bath, NY 14810.
Online condolences and memories may be shared through hpsmithandsonfuneralhome.com.
