Thomas Knight Obituary

Thomas Knight
December 12, 1938 - October 16, 2020
Elk Grove, California - Thomas Lee (Tom) Knight passed on October 16, 2020. He was born in Sacramento, the second of nine children of the late Ervin and Ruth (Boyden) Knight. Tom owned Knight Construction and was an honest, old-school, master craftsman. He used his talents to provide for his family and to make dreams come true for so many other families, whether a luxury home or a small renovation. Tom loved his work, which led to long days and his beloved wife, Avanelle (Ava), keeping her home-cooked meals waiting late into the evening. Once he started a project, he couldn't wait to finish it!
He also excelled at the hobbies he pursued, becoming a championship bowler, accomplished golfer and meticulous restorer of classic cars (Mustangs, T-Birds, Jaguars and Mercedes). He and Ava enjoyed many years of car club adventures. They also enjoyed cruising the Caribbean and the Pacific, a holdover from his four years at sea in the U.S. Navy.
Besides sharing a birthday and eye color with Ol' Blue Eyes, Tom shared his life's philosophy of "I Did it My Way." While anyone who knew Tom, knew that "his way" was the right way; he also gave his time and talents generously to friends and family, whenever needed. He was an ardent Dodger fan and sponsored several local men's and women's baseball teams, plus stock car racing.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ava, and children: Maureen O'Donoghue Sharp-Huhn (Steve); Colleen O'Donoghue; Darleen O'Donoghue Treude (Garth); Kathleen O'Donoghue Reiff (Steve); April Knight; Michael Knight and his younger son. Also surviving are many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers, Ed and Richard; aunt, Dorothy Knight, and cousins.
While we mourn Tom's passing, his spirit lives on in the body of work he has left behind. Rest in peace.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, no services are planned at this time. Please leave condolences at Legacy.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee from Oct. 20 to Oct. 25, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Knight

11 Entries

Debra Pine

June 2, 2023

I'm sorry I wasn't there. I loved you and Ava Tom and look forward to seeing you again.

Bob Sharp

April 13, 2021

Tom was really a great Father in law once we got to know each other. Tom built Maureen and myself a wonderful house in Wilton. Knowing that I loved playing pool, Tom purchased a professional size pool table with quo sticks and had everything installed for us. Tom further built me a 3,000 square foot pig bardo and workshop. Tom was always helpful and did several jobs for me I later years. He loved the Dallas Cowboys and his strong coffee. I truly enjoyed Toms friend along with Ava’s. I will miss Tom for sure.

Bob Sharp

Shelley Donovan

February 1, 2021

Such A wonderful man we had a lot of fun time and memories with the Knights Rest In Peace Tom the Kendrick’s &Donovans

The Bradley Family

December 20, 2020

Tom built our house in 1989 and was a wonderful house builder. My husbands father Cliff use to work with Tom and some of his family back in the day. So they knew Tom way back. We had just seen Tom a few years ago, he had came out to our house and installed a water heater. He looked so happy and healthy and we’re so sorry to hear of his passing. It breaks our hearts, he was a very sweet man.
#restinpeacetomandgodbless❤

Steven Scrivner

December 14, 2020

Tom Knight was a major influence in my life, he and I worked together for many years, he taught me so much about building quality homes and being an honest and good man, I had a lot of good times working with him, my best memories all involve Tom and the time I spent with him, his wife Ava is such a wonderful person and my heart goes out to her, I will miss my ol friend so much, such a sad day today, prayers for my old friend and the Knight family

Aunt Dorothy Knight

November 2, 2020

Sorry for your loss. He will be missed by many . He was a excellent worker. He measured twice and cut once. I’m very proud of him. Was thankful that he was able to help his Uncle Loren. We Loved you. Ava, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

brian oates

October 24, 2020

Thaughts and, prayers from my family to yours.

Cheri M Colla

October 22, 2020

I have fond memories of him from my childhood, Uncle Tom taught me how to play tennis, and as an adult, he was always so warm when we encountered each other. May peace quickly replace your family's grief as you find comfort in the great memories he created with you all.

Pat Steinhauer

October 21, 2020

Ava, I'm so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. We (Sacramento Classic Thunderbird Club) had such good times at the progressive dinners at your house , the road trips and other outings. I have very dear memories of the two of you and wish you peace and love in your grief.

John Marquardsen

October 20, 2020

I’m so sorry about your loss He lived a wonderful life!

Tim & Jennifer

October 20, 2020

I am sorry for your loss. May the love of friends and family carry you through. With deepest sympathy as you remember Tom, or as we’ve come to know him through Colleen as “Dad”. ❤

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