Franklin Knight Obituary

Franklin Knight
September 19, 1936 - April 8, 2023
Franklin Knight, native of Asheville, NC, and longtime resident of San Francisco, passed away peacefully in his home in Novato.
He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Katz (Andy), and granddaughters Ella and Samantha; daughter, Kate Dorfler (David), grandson Aidan and granddaughter Hannah; son Paul Knight (Neda); brother, Walter Knight (June); brother, Stuart Gaston (Carol); and his beloved cousin, Keller Cushing Freeman.
Franklin was a dedicated social worker at SF General, retiring in 1997.
Franklin was generous and compassionate with loved ones and strangers alike. He had a quirky sense of humor and an infectious laugh. He loved hiking, camping, birdwatching, traveling, dancing, eating out, and he was a dedicated SF Giants, 49ers and Warriors fan.
Franklin adored his pets, particularly his cat Ludwig, who provided unconditional love, comfort and companionship.
Franklin will be warmly remembered and greatly missed, especially by his daughters that lovingly cared for him the past four years.
Donations to WildCare of San Rafael & Alzheimer's Association

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Apr. 15 to Apr. 17, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Franklin Knight

5 Entries

Carol Baillie

April 13, 2024

It is so hard to believe it has been a year since Frank died. I miss him so much!! He was my first friend at the General and he taught me so much about DPH. I loved playing tennis with Frank, although I was never good at it. But Frank tried hard to gently send the ball my way so I could feel like I was getting better at the game. We would go dancing and it was so much fun! Frank had the best retirement party ever with a Cajun dancing instructor leading the fun. Most importantly, Frank was a true friend. He deeply cared for others. He was a wonderful SW! After meeting Frank, I knew that moving to SF from Philly was the right thing to do.
Frank loved his family so much! And he offered wonderful advice and support to me when I became a Mom. I could always count on Frank to give me his honest opinion.
I still see your beautiful smile and hear your laughter Frank. You gave so much love and you were loved and now deeply missed. I´m so grateful we were friends!

Lisa Schiff

April 13, 2024

Remembering Frank, a dear friend and neighbor for over 20 years, and all the backyard-over-the-fence chats that so often ended in an afternoon glass of bubbly in his garden.

claire cocke

April 9, 2024

Franklin will always be remembered in our family! That he and John died so close in time is kind of fun really as they we such close friends and both were exceptional thinkers and had quirky and unusual sense of humor.

Maureen Flannery, friend, work and SSEU colleague.

July 13, 2023

I am so sorry that I just learned of my dear friend´s passing and that I lost touch with your father last three or four years. He was the most extraordinary person that I knew in San Francisco. Saying Franklin was kind is an understatement. He was so much more there than that, he was delightful, a tonic to be around. His kindness to me during the decades I knew him were too many to count but the most special was that before I left to move back to New York, Franklin actually saved all my possessions from an unscrupulous person to whom I rented my apartment really, he actually saved my life.
I will never forget him. I´ve never met anyone like him in all my years. I just wanted to let you know what an incredible human being that your father was. My fondest memories apart from his unbelievable goodness was his perennial greeting of "Cheers." it´s the first thing I remember meeting him 40 years ago at SSEU and that "Hi, Cheers," and every time I arrived at the SF from NYC at his retirement party thing I remember before returning to NYC forever.
The best thing I can say to your late father, dear beloved Franklin. "Cheers."
I will definitely donate to Alzheimer´s in Franklin´s name.
All my sympathy to Jennie, Katy, Paul.
Maureen Flannery

Monica E Mc Guire

April 20, 2023

I remember Franklin from SFGH. It seemed he was always "on the move. " I recall a constant smile. His position as a SW was so important especially in those days of very limited community resources.I know we were not on the same units.
May Franklin rest with the angels.

Monica E Mc Guire RN

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