Joseph L. Knight, age 87 of Hampstead, NH, died Tuesday morning, September 2, 2008 at SunBridge of Exeter, Exeter, NH.
Mr. Knight was born January 27, 1921 in Reading, MA, the son of the late John E. and Sarah (Gallant) Knight. He was raised in Reading and attended Reading Public Schools. He is a Veteran of World War II, having enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1940. Mr. Knight served throughout Europe and the Philippines. Several years later he was honorably discharged for wounds he sustained during battle.
Upon returning to Reading he married the late Agnes (Muse) Knight, who died in 1964.
Mr. Knight was employed for over forty years with Precision Metal Products, formerly of Stoneham, as a Machinist Supervisor until his retirement in the 1980s.
He was an accomplished keyboard and accordion player with a popular band of the time, the Highlights.
Mr. Knight married Lois P. (Chase) Knight on November 14, 1970 after meeting as part of a square dancing group.
He had been a resident of Hampstead, NH since 1983, previously residing in Danville, NH from 1968-83. While in Danville he and Lois continued to raise their families of his two children and her six boys that remained at home.
After retirement he became even more involved with his Parish of St. Anne Church, Hampstead, NH, volunteering for many activities. He was also a Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed traveling and visiting with family throughout this Country and Canada. He also enjoyed to volunteer and he provided music and entertainment for many church and community functions throughout the area.
He was a longtime member and usher at St. Anne Parish, Hampstead, NH; former Grand Knight of the St. Maximilian Kolbe Knights of Columbus of Hampstead, NH, Council No. 9058; and the DAV Squamscott Post No. 13 of Exeter, NH.
For the past year both Mr. and Mrs. Knight have been residents of SunBridge of Exeter, Exeter, New Hampshire, where he recently received an award for being the Entertainer of the Year for coordinating activities for the other residents. He also received special recognition from the State of New Hampshire for his efforts being a senior organizing support for the New Hampshire Food Bank.
He is survived by his loving wife of almost thirty-eight years, Lois P. (Chase) Knight of Hampstead, NH; his children, Valerie Knight of Haverhill, Kenneth Knight of Westford, Joanne Cline of Port Richey, FL, Robert Jendrick of Phoenix, AZ, David Jendrick of Martha's Vineyard, Dennis Jendrick of Sarasota, FL, Michael Jendrick of Sarasota, FL, Peter Jendrick of Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada, and Daniel Jendrick of Hampstead, NH; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild, and his sister, Mary Doucette of Reading. He was the father of the late Karen Goodwin, Edmund Jendrick, and James Jendrick.
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, September 5, 2008 in St. Anne Parish, Emerson Avenue, Hampstead, NH at 10:30 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow in Holy Angels Cemetery, Plaistow, NH.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, September 4, in the C. Frank Linnehan and Son Haverhill Funeral Home, 129 Kenoza Avenue, Haverhill, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Relatives and friends invited.