Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Robert L. Knight, affectionately known as “Butch,” passed away peacefully on October 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, proud veteran, accomplished athlete, and true gentleman, Butch lived a life defined by hard work, humility, and an unwavering love for his family. He will be remembered for his warm smile, gentle spirit, generous heart, and the lasting impression he made on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Born in Stoneham, Massachusetts, on August 1, 1934, Butch was the beloved son of the late John Knight Sr. and Florence (Gray) Knight. One of seven children, he grew up in a large and loving family and attended Stoneham schools, graduating proudly from Stoneham High School with the Class of 1952.
From an early age, Butch displayed extraordinary athletic ability, excelling in both hockey and football. His remarkable talent and dedication earned him All-Star recognition, and he was twice inducted into the Stoneham High School Hall of Fame in honor of his outstanding athletic career. His passion for sports would remain a defining part of his life.
On January 21, 1954, during the Korean War, Butch was inducted into the United States Army. He proudly served with Company L, 32nd Infantry Division, until his honorable discharge in December 1955. He continued his service to his country in the Army Reserve until January 1964, carrying the pride of his military service with him throughout his life.
Following his active-duty service, Butch returned home and attended Boston University, where he continued to distinguish himself as a talented athlete, playing both hockey and football for the Terriers. His lifelong love of sports ultimately brought him to the professional level when he played during the 1961 season for the New England Patriots. This achievement remained a treasured source of pride for Butch and his family throughout his life.
On February 8, 1964, Butch married the love of his life, Roberta “Bobbie” Donnelly. Together, they shared more than 62 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and countless beautiful family memories. In 1965, they made their home in Wilmington, Massachusetts, where they raised their two beloved daughters. Their home was always a welcoming place, with open doors and open hearts for family and friends alike.
Above all his many accomplishments, Butch’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He was a constant source of strength, comfort, and unconditional love, always offering a steady hand and unwavering support to those he cherished. His family was the center of his world, and he had a special way of making each person feel valued, loved, and important.
To his grandchildren, he was affectionately known as “Papa,” a name that captured the extraordinary bond he shared with each of them. He treasured watching sports with his oldest grandson, Robert, cheering on Jonathan at his hockey games, and following David’s rugby and football games. He eagerly anticipated weekend French toast breakfasts with his granddaughters, beamed with pride as he listened to Colleen share her poetry, and never missed an opportunity to call Allison each morning to read her the daily horoscope. These seemingly simple moments became cherished memories, reflecting the thoughtfulness, devotion, and genuine interest Butch brought to every relationship. His love was never measured in grand gestures but in the countless everyday ways he showed up for the people who mattered most.
Butch’s life was also a testament to resilience, dedication, and a strong work ethic. For many years, he served as Plant Manager at Jones and Vining Company in Salem, Massachusetts, where his dependable nature, personable demeanor, and commitment to his work made him a valued employee. Upon retiring after many years of dedicated service, Butch discovered that retirement did not suit someone who enjoyed keeping busy. He went on to take a part-time sales position with Tri-Star Machine Company, where he once again excelled and continued to share his talents.
A gifted athlete and avid golfer, Butch also possessed a remarkable ability to repair just about anything around the house. He was happiest in his workshop, where his imagination, creativity, and skilled hands brought countless projects to life. Among his most treasured creations were the birdhouses he made for family and friends. Whether fashioned from sturdy pieces of wood or from humble popsicle sticks saved from his nightly Dove bars, each birdhouse reflected his ingenuity, patience, and meticulous attention to detail. These handmade treasures were more than simple gifts; they were expressions of his love, reminders of his generous spirit, and lasting pieces of the legacy he leaves behind.
Butch will be fondly remembered as a true gentleman with a heart of gold, a gentle touch, and a warm, reassuring smile. Though he accomplished much throughout his life, he remained humble and never sought recognition for his talents or achievements. He was a proud veteran, a dedicated worker, and an accomplished athlete, but his greatest legacy will always be the love he gave so freely and the relationships he nurtured so carefully. He was a calming, steady presence in the lives of those he loved, and his absence will be deeply felt. The lessons he taught through his kindness, integrity, and devotion will live on in the hearts of his family and friends for generations to come.
Butch was the beloved husband of 62 years to Roberta “Bobbie” Knight; devoted father of Kristin Hynes and her husband, Barry, of Beverly, and Amy Logan and her husband, Kenneth, of Wilmington; and loving “Papa” to Robert Cameron and his partner, Taylor Bergstrom, Jonathan Keefe, Colleen Logan, David Keefe, and Allison Logan. He was also the proud great-grandfather of Scarlett and Hunter Cameron.
Butch held a special place in the hearts of his former son-in-law, Sean Keefe, and his niece, Tina Gentile. He is further survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will cherish his memory.
He was predeceased by his six siblings: John Knight Jr., Henry Knight, Florence Russo, Ruth deMoor, Geraldine Madden, and Beverly Davis.
Visiting hours will be held at Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Avenue (Route 62), Wilmington, Massachusetts, on Monday, November 2, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a service celebrating Butch’s life at 1:00 p.m. Interment with military honors will follow at Wildwood Cemetery in Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s memory may be made to Veterans Services, 146 Middlesex Avenue, Wilmington, MA 01887.
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