Dr. Michael E. Knight

Michael Emery Knight, 83, of Basking Ridge, NJ, formerly of Cranford, Roselle, and Roselle Park, NJ, passed away Sunday, August 25 after a long illness.

Michael was born on September 29, 1935 and originally resided in Roselle Park. He was a graduate of Abraham Clark High School, and was employed by Sailer and Sailer Civil Engineers and Surveyors before joining the Army, where he served in Germany as a Military Police officer. After his discharge, he served as a Sergeant in the National Guard. He earned a Bachelor of Arts and then a Masters from Newark State College, now Kean University. He then went on to earn a PhD from the School of Education at Fordham University.

He taught at Bergen Street School in Newark before accepting a teaching position at Kean University in the Department of Early Childhood Education, where he taught for over 46 years.

Michael tremendously enjoyed his teaching career, travel, and gardening. Most of all, he loved lending a helping hand to his children as their families grew.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Jean Paula Knight nee Giesler, and their four children: Michael of Basking Ridge, Kevin of Cranford/Green Brook and his wife Barbara, Christopher of Ocean Township and his wife Lynn, and Lee Bukofsky of Hopewell Junction, NY and her husband Scott. Michael will be missed by his 12 beloved grandchildren: James, Thomas, Katie, Eric, Christian, Jack, Patrick, Tyler,

Nicholas, Ryan, Evan, and Jason. He is also survived by his brother, Charles, of Gainesville, Georgia, his aunt Lillian Meade (nee Klein) of Cranford, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Michael was predeceased by his parents, Emma and Charles Knight of Roselle.

Visitation will be from 4 - 8 PM on Friday, August 30 at Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home, 582 Springfield Avenue, Westfield, NJ. A private funeral service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, the family would tremendously appreciate a gift to continue offering support programs to Alzheimer’s patients, caregivers, and families which may be sent to Dr. Michelle Popka at 195 Mountain Avenue, Springfield, NJ 07081. A donation to The VNA of Somerset Hills, Hospice, 200 Mt. Airy Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 (www.visitingnurse.org) would also be appreciated.

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