Obituary: ​Donald Knight, 86, of Branford

Information via W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home

Donald Knight had been a professional boxer as a young man, winning nearly every match. Over the last twelve years he had bouts with several life-threatening illnesses and knocked out every one, until Wednesday, May 23, when the leukemia he fought for a year exhausted him. He passed away at CT Hospice. He was a true fighter until the end.

Donald was born in New Haven on March 4, 1932 to the late Jack “Red” Knight and Ubaldina Solani. He grew up in the Hill section, and that is where he established his business, Knight Waterproofing Company, in 1973.

It was a source of great pride for him that his company waterproofed the Statue of Liberty.Donald moved to 19 Surrey Lane in Branford more than 40 years ago. That is where he and his late wife, Claudette, raised their two children.He leaves behind his son, Marc Knight of West Haven, his daughter, Kimberly Knight of Branford, his grandson, Knight Dykstra of Branford, his brothers John, Edward and James, many nieces and nephews, close friends and his devoted and loving companion of many years, Janice DeMartino of Branford. He was predeceased by his sister, Marie Jennett. Adored by so many, Donald was well known for his friendly demeanor and boundless generosity.

He took care of people. He loved food and eating at his son’s restaurants, Shell & Bones and Geronimo. His grandson, who called him “Don Don,” was one of his greatest joys. Donald lit up a room with his famous smile. He was an amazing man who lived the kind of life most people only read about in novels. A true “class act.” He touched countless lives and will be missed by all who knew him.

Funeral from W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford on Wednesday morning at 9:30 with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Church in Branford at 10:00.

Burial will follow in Branford Center Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday from 5-8 pm.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org.To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Donald Knight, please visit our Tribute Store.