Kevin Knox

Kevin Knox
Boston Comedy Legend Kevin Knox, died early Monday morning.
Knox's death rocked the comedy world as he was one of the most talented and beloved headlining comedians in New England. Along with other comedy greats Lenny Clarke, Kenny Rogerson, Don Gavin, Steve Sweeney, and others, he helped to make Boston the comedy capital of the US. The "Wild Man of Comedy" was known for his trademark rapid-fire stream of consciousness style of
comedy. His love for comedy and his fans showed in every performance. Whenever he hit the stage, his show became an instant party.
Over the years, Kevin had numerous offers for jobs in New York and LA. He appeared on TV shows such as ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live, FX's Rescue Me, A&E's Comedy on the Road, as well as NESN's Roughing It, and was a regular headliner at "The Comedy Stop at the Trop" in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. However, he opted not to leave New England.
Other than a few years in the California sun, he lived most of his life in an around Boston, choosing to enjoy a lifestyle centered on the companionship of his many friends and family, along with his legion of fans. He was committed to nurturing the Boston comedy scene by mentoring hundreds of young comics such as Dane Cook and Bill Burr and helping them along in any way he could.
Kevin was also a gifted athlete with a particular
passion for golf. His profession gave him the
opportunity to golf on courses all across New England and in many other parts of the country. No matter where he went, the clubs were a constant companion. He was a regular at the gym and had the appearance and energy of a much younger man. He was often seen cruising around on his motorcycle.
Kevin could always be relied upon to lend his talent to charities and did thousands of benefit shows over the course of his career. Later in life, his willingness to help others was repaid by grateful friends and fans who
organized several benefits to help him pay mounting medical expenses.
Since his diagnosis of malignant melanoma 18 years ago, Kevin became an expert on the disease and served as an inspiration to others struggling with it. He would invariably take time after a show to listen to the stories of people who came up to him, and would offer them words of encouragement and consolation, along with useful tips on strategies for dealing with the
disease, drawn from his own encyclopedic knowledge of the subject. He was a strong proponent of stepping outside the box and not jumping to the centuries old cancer treatment of chemotherapy, radiation and
surgery without researching and making an informed choice. Regarding the stagnant conventional approach to cancer treatment he would say "when all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail". Then he would encourage people not to be bullied into treatment but to do their homework first.
He was committed to living life fully and making the most of every moment. Cancer was not the focal point of his life. His comedy, friends, family and fans were.
He lived life large and untethered, taking time to enjoy it all and bring a bit joy to those around him. He enjoyed vibrant health until very near the end.
Kevin leaves his wife, Sharon (Saulenas) Knox along with two sisters, Mary Robinson of Merrimack, NH, and Sheila Cheney of Pelham, MA; two brothers, Michael and Sean Knox and Sean's fiancée, Kathy Byrnes of Tyngsboro, MA; mother-in-law, Rose Saulenas of Saugus; brothers-in-law, Don Robinson, Michael Cheney, Steve Saulenas of Saugus, and Marty Saulenas and his wife, Tonya Jarvis of Boca Raton, FL; several nieces and nephews, and scores of friends, and thousands of fans. He was predeceased by his mother, Catherine, father, Philip and sister, Karen.
Imagine him cruising down the road of the great beyond on his beloved motorcycle, the warm wind blowing, happy and relaxed after the best game of golf on one of the most amazing golf courses, leisurely making his way to a show in the elusive world of the Afterlife.
His family would like to give special thanks to Giggles in Saugus, the Kowloon in Saugus, Tommy's in Boston, and all friends and fans that have stood by Kevin. "Your support was tremendously appreciated and beyond measure".
KNOX A memorial service will be held Sunday, November 29th at the Collins Center for the Performing Arts, 80 Shawsheen Rd,, Andover. 12-2 p.m. for visiting with family. The service will begin promptly at 2 p.m. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to; Comedy Knox or Knox's Health Crusade, PO Box 956, Lynnfield, MA 01940.