David R. Knightly Sr.

1935 - 2025

David R. Knightly Sr.

Amherst, MA - David R. Knightly Sr., a lifelong resident of Amherst, lived a full and active life defined by hard work, service, and devotion to family.

In his youth, David was active in many pursuits-playing baseball and football, exploring the outdoors, and studying watercolor painting at the Amherst Boys Club. David graduated from Amherst High School in 1954. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy Reserves where he proudly served from 1953 to 1961 as a Third-Class Boatswain's Mate aboard the destroyer USS Cross and the radar picket ship USS Searcher. David was a proud member of both the Amherst American Legion and the Northampton Elks Lodge.

From 1962 to 1985, David worked as a master plumber and pipefitter, operating Knightly and Perman, Inc. Mechanical Contractors. In 1985, he joined the Hampshire County Sheriff's Department, where he served with distinction as Chief Deputy Sheriff of the Process Division.

An avid outdoorsman, David loved hunting and fishing. Among his many adventures, he fished for Atlantic salmon on the Miramachi River in New Brunswick, Canada, alongside one of his childhood heroes, baseball legend Ted Williams. He was both a Master Maine Guide and a Merchant Marine Officer, and he led or participated in numerous bird and big game hunts. David was an active member of the Miramachi Renous Club, the Pelham Country Club and the Norwottuck Fish and Game club, where he could often be found breaking clays or wetting a line. David took great pleasure in sharing his love of the outdoors with his family, often taking his boys out hunting and fishing, and even once convincing his wife Sandy to join him on an elk hunt in Colorado.

For 38 years, David coached Amherst baseball, dedicating countless hours to the game and the young players he mentored. Coaching brought him great joy and purpose. He took pride in helping to shape the character and confidence of his players, teaching lessons that extended far beyond the field. Over the years, David led teams to championships across every level he coached, a testament to his skill, dedication, and leadership. David's presence, encouragement, and "tough love" approach left a lasting mark on generations of Amherst athletes.

He especially cherished coaching and watching his own children and grandchildren participate in sports. Whether at the baseball diamond, football field, soccer pitch, or swimming pool, David found great happiness in cheering them on and sharing in their triumphs. The joy and pride he felt for their achievements, both on and off the field, were immeasurable.

On October 24, 1964, David married Sandra Grandonico, with whom he shared a loving marriage. Together they raised three sons-David Jr., Todd, and Dean-and were blessed with seven grandchildren: Tim, Pat, Tyler, Dylan, Peyton, Logan, and Edward James.

David is survived by his brothers William and Robert, predeceased by his father Robert A. Knightly, mother Ruth A. (Morton) Knightly and his sisters Gloria Russell and Elaine Pillar.

We are grateful to the wonderful doctors, nurses, and hospice care providers at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. Their professionalism and genuine warmth brought great comfort to both David and our family. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Tom Johns for his help and support in caring for David at home.

A private service was held to honor David's life and memory.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of David R. Knightly Sr. to Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice, P.O. Box 329, Northampton, MA 01061-0329.

Memorial guestbook can be found at www.douglassfuneral.com