Chester Theodore Knowles Jr.

Chester Theodore Knowles, Jr. died Saturday, Nov. 30 at age 66 in Tampa.

Chester was born in Key West on Feb. 17, 1959, carrying forward a proud Conch family legacy. He grew up on the island he loved and graduated from Mary Immaculate High School in 1977.

Chester spent many of his happiest days fishing in the Keys, hunting, and tinkering with anything that had a motor. Whether it was a boat engine, a truck, or some long-abandoned piece of machinery, he had a remarkable knack for bringing things back to life. If it could be fixed, Chester could fix it.

He will be remembered for his quiet generosity, his deep ties to family, and his steadfast love for the outdoors. Chester was a son, brother, uncle, and friend who will be truly missed.

He is survived by his sister, Elissa Christine ("Tina") Webb of Dunedin; his nieces and nephews – Marisa Ramirez Stukey of Gainesville, Christopher Webb of Naples, Alexis Ramirez Spataro of Tampa, and Michael Webb of Dunedin – and his great-nieces and great-nephews – Talia and Christian Spataro, Ava Stukey, and Elaina Webb. All are mourning his passing.

He was preceded in death by his father, Chester T. Knowles, Sr., his mother, Elissa Moreno Knowles, and his sister, Sharyn Knowles Ramirez.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Basilica of St. Mary's Star of the Sea (Education Fund).