Greenwich RTM Holds Emotional Tribute For Late Member Bob McKnight

GREENWICH, CT — Before the Greenwich Representative Town Meeting got down to business at its March meeting on Monday night, the legislative body held an emotional tribute to honor Bob McKnight, a longtime RTM member and town volunteer who died on Feb. 23 at the age of 76.

McKnight grew up in Cos Cob and lived in Byram for the last 30 or so years. A graduate of Greenwich High School, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968 and served for nearly three years in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.

Over the course of his military career as a platoon sergeant, McKnight earned two Purple Hearts, four Bronze Stars, three Air Medals, two Army commendations, and a National Defense medal.

Upon returning to Greenwich, McKnight finished his undergraduate studies at UConn and began volunteering shortly thereafter. He joined the RTM in 1996 and never missed a meeting until this past January.

McKnight most recently served as the chair of the RTM Appointments Committee. According to his obituary, he was a founding board member of the Greenwich Preservation Trust, vice chair of the Byram Neighborhood Association (BNA) and a member of the Greenwich Conservation Commission Cemetery Commission.

"Bob volunteered for countless other things we will probably never know about because he did them quietly," his obituary said.

McKnight's family was in attendance Monday night at Central Middle School as several people spoke about his life, his achievements, and his service to the town.

"His passing is not only a loss for the RTM, for which he served almost 30 years, but also a loss for the entire Greenwich community," said RTM Moderator Alexis Voulgaris. "Bob was a dear friend of mine and someone who I often would turn to when I wanted an honest, unfussy opinion about an issue. He was as no-nonsense and straight-shooting as they came, and I absolutely enjoyed everything about him."

Lucy von Brachel used words like "humble, dedicated, loyal, kind, fastidious, direct, principled, patriotic, honorable and generous, a stand-up guy," to describe McKnight.

She praised the way he ran meetings and how treated everyone with respect.

"Bob McKnight epitomized what it means to be a public servant. We don't always realize the extent of a person's good deeds until we lose them. This was very true of Bob, who was so modest about his many contributions," von Brachel said. "No one was really ready for Bob to go, and boy, does it hurt. But he's leaving behind so many gifts he gave selflessly to our country, our town and everyone he knew. He set a standard for public service we can all aspire to. We're fortunate to have had him on the RTM and in our lives."

Joe Kantorski, a former chair of the BNA, shared comments from Mike Bocchino, Jo Conboy and BNA Chair Liz Eckert, who were unable to attend the meeting.

"Not surprisingly, Bob's effect, his influence on all of us, was the same," Kantorski said. "You will hear many of the same words tonight from everyone who knew Bob, because we always knew who Bob was; character, integrity, strength, dedication, loyalty, kindness and generosity, but above of all, perhaps, principled, honest service. It's his service that we will continue to honor."

District 1 RTM member Frederick Lee, who served as vice chairman of the RTM Appointments Committee, spoke last, surrounded by committee members up at the podium.

Lee called McKnight's impact on the community "immeasurable," and said "his absence will be deeply felt."

"His legacy is one of service, integrity and unwavering dedication to the people and places he loved," Lee added. "On behalf of everyone here, Bob, thank you for three decades of showing up, speaking up and always putting Greenwich first. Your legacy on this body will continue to inspire all of us fortunate enough to serve [alongside] you. Greenwich is better because of you, Bob, and so are we."

The RTM then held a moment of silence to honor McKnight before Voulgaris reluctantly moved on to the business at hand.