Robert J. Knight Sr.

Robert J. Knight Sr.
2/2/2025
PROSPECT - It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Robert J. "Bobby" Knight Sr., age 72, of Prospect, shares the news of his peaceful passing on Saturday, January 31, 2026 in the Vitas Inpatient Unit of St. Mary's Hospital after a brief illness. He was the devoted husband of Barbara (Manganaro) Knight.
Bobby was born on July 28, 1953 in Waterbury, the son of the late Harris and Johanna (Naylor) Knight. He was educated in local schools and proudly graduated from Crosby High School. Known for his easy manner and welcoming spirit, he was an affable and likeable man who made friends wherever he went - and he made them easily and in great number. If one looks back on his life, two things stand out above all else: his deep devotion to his family and his love of work. He was especially proud to work alongside his son, Rob, at RKJR Trucking. There was no time clock for Bobby - he worked seven days a week, year-round - not out of obligation, but because he genuinely loved being there. Even when his wife insisted on well-earned vacations, he was always happiest, surrounded by family or seated in the cab of a dump truck, doing what he loved.
A lifelong enthusiast of NASCAR, NHRA, and anything with wheels and an engine, Bobby lived a life as bold and vibrant as his spirit. He embraced each day with energy, purpose, and an unmistakable joy for living. Above all, he was a fiercely loyal husband, a devoted father and grampi, and a steadfast friend, with a heart capable of boundless love. Though he has left us all, far too soon, his wife and children remain deeply grateful for the life they shared - the love that surrounded them, the memories they created together, and the many blessings they experienced as a family. They are equally thankful for the kindness, friendship, and support shown by the many friends whose lives he touched so deeply. His legacy is one of hard work, loyalty, love, and enduring friendship-one that will be remembered with affection and respect by all who know him.
Left to honor his legacy and cherish his memory besides his loving wife Barbara of 48 years, his children Robert J. Knight Jr. and his wife Jana of Prospect, Rebecca Senez and her husband Matthew of East Sandwich MA, his brother Christopher Knight and his wife Joan of VA; his sisters, Debra Battista and her husband Joseph of Bristol and Kathleen Wheeler of E. Dover, VT and his brother-in-law Charles Manganaro and his wife Debra of Fort Pierce, FL. Bobby and Barbara were blessed with four adoring grandchildren, Scarlett Senez, Devyn Knight, Demi Knight and Sawyer Senez. He also leaves several cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members and many friends. He was predeceased by his brothers, John (Jackie) Knight and Kevin Knight.
Funeral services for Mr. Knight will be held on Friday February 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 74 West Main St., Waterbury, CT. Burial will be held at the convenience of his family. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects and visit with Bobby's family on Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Casey's Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main St, Waterbury, CT 06705. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence, words of comfort, or share a memory with the family and friends of someone important to you on the funeral home website at www.caseyfunerals.com. For expressions of sympathy, flowers, memorial trees or other gifts of condolence, please visit the website listed above.