Albert Francis Knight
A man of many interests, he never stood still in retirement
Albert Francis Knight, 91, of Chester, N.J., formerly of Warren, N.J., passed away suddenly on March 26, 2019.
Albert was born on Aug. 7, 1927, in Jersey City, N.J., to the late A.C. Knight and Ruth Keenan Knight. After high school Albert joined the Navy and was honorably discharged at the war's end. The GI Bill allowed Al to attend university and he graduated with a law degree from Washington & Lee University in 1951 (second in his class).
After taking a while to find himself, he landed at the White & Case law firm, leaving to join Merck & Co. in February 1959. Al was transferred to Merck's subsidiary Calgon, located in Pittsburgh, as general counsel, where he thrived, returning to Rahway, N.J., when his son Paul went to university. He retired as assistant general counsel in 1988, determined to devote his life to serving others.
After retiring Al never stood still. Travels included all 50 states, the 10 provinces and the Yukon in Canada, Tanzania, Peru (cruising the Amazon), Mexico (butterfly migration), Iceland, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
He became involved with environmental issues, primarily in Idaho; established a publishing company ANACUS Press; invested in the theater; was a long-term subscriber to the Roundabout, Paper Mill and the local Chester theaters, and attended every lacrosse game he could.
Al was involved in a variety of organizations, most significantly establishing the A. Paul Knight Internship Program in Conservation, allowing four W&L undergraduate students and two law students to work for environmental organizations during the summer. This program is now entering its 31st year.
]He was president of the Friends of the Warren Township Library during the library expansion in the 1990's. He was instrumental in the fundraising, helped ensure there were no budget overruns and dedicated funds to memorialize his deceased wife, Betsey, during the library expansion program.
Al was on the board of the Somerset Food Bank for many years and on the board of the Hudson School, Hoboken, N.J., and remained in close contact with Suellen Newman, the founder of the school. He was a member of the Plainfield Curling Club since 1998, of which as Al would say, "when in need of a conversation topic, you can always talk about curling." He was especially proud of obtaining a 501(c)3 designation for the club.
For the past 10 years Al was very involved in the ongoing Condominium Association activities, including co-editor of the monthly newsletter and supplying an historical profile monthly for the past two years. Al recently took up duplicate bridge and he loved the Tuesday morning game at the Chester Bridge Club.
A memorial plaque to Al will join those of his father, mother and brother at the Raptor Trust, Millington, N.J.
He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Lulu Gail (Stinson) Knight, and by many other loving friends and colleagues. He was predeceased by his first wife, Betsey; second wife, Catherine; his cherished son, Albert Paul Knight, and brother, Robert Knight.
Albert's Life Celebration will include a memorial visitation on Saturday, April 6, 2019 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the William J. Leber Funeral Home, (908) 879-3090, 15 Furnace Rd. (corner of Rt. 206), Chester, N.J. 07930. A Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home at 3 p.m., immediately following the visitation. Interment will be held privately by his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The A. Paul Knight Internship Program in Conservation, Washington & Lee University, Development Office, 2014 West Washington St., Lexington, Va. 24450, go.wlu.edu/Knight_Internshipor an environmental organization of your choosing.
For online condolences and information, visit williamjleberfh.com.