John W. McKnight

Carthage - John McKnight, 67, went home to the lord on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, surrounded by his family after a long battle with COPD.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 25, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc., located at 500 State Street, Carthage, NY 13619. A funeral service will be held at 4:00 pm in the Lundy Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Wayne Arnold officiating. A celebration of life will take place following the service at Natural Bridge Fire Co. Inc., located at 27570 High St, Natural Bridge, NY 13665.

John was born on August 23, 1958, in Carthage. After graduating from Carthage Central School in 1976, John went on to further his education at Jefferson Community College. After earning an Associate's Degree in Business Administration with Honors, John enlisted in and served in the United States Air Force for five years. Following his discharge, he went on to work a variety of caregiver positions, including at the Children’s Home of Jefferson County and at Jefferson Rehabilitation Center. John, always one to put his own needs aside to care for others, resigned from these positions in order to take care of his beloved mother, Beverly Gadbaw, after a severe stroke. While caring for his mother, John managed to stay busy with a small ceramic business in their home.

Many of John’s favorite memories centered around his years as a Civil War reenactor. He was a member of the 55th Army of Northern Virginia and the 118th New York Infantry Adirondack Regiment. His favorite place was Gettysburg, followed closely by Zoar, Ohio. He loved learning about and discussing historical events, most notably the Civil War. He was heartbroken when his declining health kept him from participating in the reenactments, but his passion never faded.

John enjoyed classic old country, but had a particular love for Randy Travis. He enjoyed playing cards and board games with his family, and playing puzzle games on his computer. He was also an avid movie buff and enjoyed a wide array of movies ranging from historical documentaries to action adventures, with his favorite being The Mummy. Above all else, John cherished the time he spent with his family and friends.

He leaves behind his siblings, Roy (Jeanette Reed) McKnight, Jackie Aubin, Wanda Arnold, Scotty (Billie Jo) Gadbaw, and Sherry (Pete) Sears; and many wonderful and beloved nieces and nephews, and one very special niece, Veronica Sears, who was like the child he never had.

He is predeceased by his mother, Beverly Gadbaw; his step-father, who raised him, Donnie Gadbaw; and a brother, Donald Fuller.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Natural Bridge United Methodist Church, located at 44035 Church St, Natural Bridge, NY 13665, to honor his love for the Lord and his Methodist faith.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to those who went above and beyond for John, including his amazing in-house caregivers and the staff at Carthage Area Hospital, for their kind, caring, and compassionate service.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Lundy Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc. Online condolences in his memory may be made at www.lundyfuneralhome.com