Robert ‘Poppop’ Francis Knight, proud veteran
Robert “Poppop” Francis Knight, 69, of Millsboro passed away Saturday, April 24, 2021, at his home, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born May 26, 1951, in Philadelphia, Pa., son of the late Francis B. and Grace C. (Wust) Knight.
Mr. Knight was a proud veteran, having honorably served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was a faithful employee of Exelon Corp., contributing 36 dedicated years’ service, retiring as a shift foreman. Mr. Knight’s interests were many and varied. He loved the outdoors, particularly fishing and hitting the open road on his Harley-Davidson. Mr. Knight had an affinity for all animals, but especially his pets. He had a fascination with the engineering and function of things, de-constructing and rebuilding all sorts of motors, engines and everyday items. Mr. Knight was also a longtime Friend of Bill W.
Above all, he cherished time spent with those he held most dear, especially his adored grandchildren. Mr. Knight was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who will be genuinely missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Knight was preceded in death by his siblings: Lillian Flynn, Raymond Knight and Linda Conover.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Janice J. (Stockton) Knight of Millsboro; his sons: Robert W. Knight and Michael F. Knight, both of Essington, Pa.; his daughters-in-law: Heather C. Knight and Heather M. Knight; his grandchildren: Eric, Genesis, Ashley, Sean, Alex and Samantha; his brother, Richard Knight (Susan) of Riverside, N.J.; and his sisters: Louise Armstrong of Willingboro, N.J., and Laura Holmes of Riverside, N.J.
A Celebration of his life with military honors will be held Monday, May 3, at 3 p.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 2 p.m. All are invited to join via livestream by visiting http://www.parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/9946132/LTWebcast. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, masks must be worn and social distancing must be observed by everyone attending any aspect of the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Vietnam Veterans Association of America, Sussex County Chapter 1105, PO Box 424, Nassau, DE 19969, or the American Cancer Society, 1315 Mt. Hermon Road, Suite D, Salisbury, MD 21804.
Please visit Mr. Knight’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
