LACONIA-----Gerald E Knight, 82, of Laconia, passed away Sunday, July 7, 2019 at Concord Hospital after many months of declining health.
Gerald was born in Dubuque, Iowa, son of the late Edwin and Charlotte (Seagrene) Knight of Minnesota. Gerald met his late wife of 54 years, Doreen, at college in St. Paul Minnesota. They moved to North Haverhill NH, after their marriage and it is there that they raised their two children, daughter, Sara O’Sullivan and her husband Robin Lounsbury of Pembroke, NH, and son Jeffrey Knight of Vermont.
Gerald taught world geography in Minnesota and in several schools in New Hampshire. Gerald retired, ending his career of 36 years of teaching at Laconia High School. During his years of teaching, he escorted many student groups to Europe including eight school exchanges between Laconia High School and Vilnius, Lithuania. He was very interested in teaching both students and adults the value of democracy. He especially enjoyed escorting many trips to the Soviet Union. After his retirement Gerald served for 5 years as the legislative chairperson in the New Hampshire state government, representing over 6000 retired New Hampshire teachers. In 2011, he was honored as the New Hampshire retired teacher of the year.
His surviving family include his children; his grandchildren, Jonathan O’Sullivan of Pembroke NH; Samuel Knight and Emma Knight of MA, and great-granddaughter Jemma O’Sullivan, sister-in-law Peggy Johnson of MN, cousin, Judith Wise of PA, and Ellen McCaune of MA, caregiver and friend, Dan Carter of Laconia. He also had a very special bond with the family, Gerrit de Jong of Dordrecht of the Netherlands, long time pen pals of 73 years.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 12, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. - to 4:00 p.m. at Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home of Laconia, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH, using the Carriage House entrance.
A Celebration of Gerald’s Life will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2019, at 10:00 a.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Laconia, 172 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH.
In Lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to Central NH VNA & Hospice, 780 North Main Street, Laconia, NH 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.