Obituary for Michael K Knox, Sr.
The family of Michael K. Knox Sr. of Pittsfield, MA announces with great sorrow his passing on Saturday May 8th 2021 at the age of 79 with his wife Becky (Gerry) Knox, son Christopher M. Knox and daughter Janice Kron by his side. After fighting for many years with multiple medical issues, unfortunately this fight was not one he could win. He now rests peacefully in our Lord & Savior’s arms.
Mike was born August 1st 1941 in Pittsfield to Clarence “Red” and Verna Knox. They, as well as his younger sister Karen Bates, precede him in death. He leaves behind his loving sister Sandra Viner of Pittsfield; his devoted wife of 40 years Rebecca “Becky” Knox and their son Christopher “Chris” M.
Knox also of Pittsfield.
He is also survived by his 4 children from a previous marriage: Janice Kron and her husband Paul of Bridgewater, MA; Cheryl “Cheri” Fisher and her husband Mark of Greenville, SC; Michael “Mike” Knox Jr. of Bernardston, MA; and Michelle “Missy” Otto also of Greenville, SC. His beloved grandchildren: Matthew Kron and sister Hannah Saldanha; Jennifer Connell and sisters Amanda Mullins and Cheyenne Otto; Angelia Phillips and sister Samantha Knox; Kendra Garcia and brother Kyle Otto. He was also proud to boast that he had 12 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind several loving nieces and nephews.
Along with his family and friends, he treasured his time with the family pets, two Golden Retrievers, Brandy and Casey, that he had since they were babies and his Yellow Lab grand-dog, Cabella. He played the doting “grandpa” to a litter of 10 Goldens and always had treats in his pockets.
Over his lifetime he was very proud of his career accomplishments. While working in the construction field he acquired many licenses and certifications. He was most proud of being a supervisor for many large jobs in the city and across the state, including being a big part of the construction of the city’s Krofta water treatment plants on Ashley and Cleveland reservoirs, as well as the installation of miles of natural gas pipelines throughout the city. Being a heavy equipment operator and running some of the biggest pieces of equipment in the Northeast was a highlight of his career, until a disabling accident in 1990 abruptly ended the career he loved.
Thankfully he loved to cook, and growing up Irish in the Italian neighborhood of Lakewood gave him a leg up on that love. He had many opportunities to show off those skills over the years as several organizations called upon him to donate his delicious Manhattan clam chowder to their causes. It was always a big hit and there was never a drop left.
When he wasn’t cooking up a delicious meal or in the wood-shop creating something new, he loved to travel. Mike and Becky visited several Caribbean islands and Mike fell in love with Aruba, which became their winter getaway for a number of years. The “Happy Island”.
Mike was a member of Sacred Heart Church, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Italian American Club and the United Commercial Travelers.
The family would like to thank the Berkshire VNA and Amedysis for helping Mike to remain at home after each medical event.
Calling hours will be Saturday May 15th from 12:00pm until 2:00pm at Dery Funeral Home. 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield, followed by an outdoor gathering and barbecue at the family home.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mike’s memory to the Berkshire VNA or the Friends Of Renal Dialysis (F.O.R.D.) in care of the Dery Funeral Home.
Mike was born August 1st 1941 in Pittsfield to Clarence “Red” and Verna Knox. They, as well as his younger sister Karen Bates, precede him in death. He leaves behind his loving sister Sandra Viner of Pittsfield; his devoted wife of 40 years Rebecca “Becky” Knox and their son Christopher “Chris” M.
Knox also of Pittsfield.
He is also survived by his 4 children from a previous marriage: Janice Kron and her husband Paul of Bridgewater, MA; Cheryl “Cheri” Fisher and her husband Mark of Greenville, SC; Michael “Mike” Knox Jr. of Bernardston, MA; and Michelle “Missy” Otto also of Greenville, SC. His beloved grandchildren: Matthew Kron and sister Hannah Saldanha; Jennifer Connell and sisters Amanda Mullins and Cheyenne Otto; Angelia Phillips and sister Samantha Knox; Kendra Garcia and brother Kyle Otto. He was also proud to boast that he had 12 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind several loving nieces and nephews.
Along with his family and friends, he treasured his time with the family pets, two Golden Retrievers, Brandy and Casey, that he had since they were babies and his Yellow Lab grand-dog, Cabella. He played the doting “grandpa” to a litter of 10 Goldens and always had treats in his pockets.
Over his lifetime he was very proud of his career accomplishments. While working in the construction field he acquired many licenses and certifications. He was most proud of being a supervisor for many large jobs in the city and across the state, including being a big part of the construction of the city’s Krofta water treatment plants on Ashley and Cleveland reservoirs, as well as the installation of miles of natural gas pipelines throughout the city. Being a heavy equipment operator and running some of the biggest pieces of equipment in the Northeast was a highlight of his career, until a disabling accident in 1990 abruptly ended the career he loved.
Thankfully he loved to cook, and growing up Irish in the Italian neighborhood of Lakewood gave him a leg up on that love. He had many opportunities to show off those skills over the years as several organizations called upon him to donate his delicious Manhattan clam chowder to their causes. It was always a big hit and there was never a drop left.
When he wasn’t cooking up a delicious meal or in the wood-shop creating something new, he loved to travel. Mike and Becky visited several Caribbean islands and Mike fell in love with Aruba, which became their winter getaway for a number of years. The “Happy Island”.
Mike was a member of Sacred Heart Church, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Italian American Club and the United Commercial Travelers.
The family would like to thank the Berkshire VNA and Amedysis for helping Mike to remain at home after each medical event.
Calling hours will be Saturday May 15th from 12:00pm until 2:00pm at Dery Funeral Home. 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield, followed by an outdoor gathering and barbecue at the family home.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mike’s memory to the Berkshire VNA or the Friends Of Renal Dialysis (F.O.R.D.) in care of the Dery Funeral Home.