Gregory Michael McKnight

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Gregory Michael McKnight, a son, brother, and uncle who was deeply loved by his friends and family. Greg, 53, died of natural causes on October 30, 2024, at his home in Phoenix, Arizona. His unexpected death has left our hearts shattered.


Greg was born on March 20, 1971, in Bloomington, Indiana, at Bloomington Hospital. It was a magical, snowy morning despite it being the first day of spring. Greg was the first born of three children, and he reveled in being an older brother to his two sisters. In 1974, after his father completed law school, the family relocated to Tempe, Arizona. Indiana always had a special place in his heart, though, and every summer Greg returned to spend time with his grandparents and extended family.

As a young child, Greg loved playing soccer and being in the Boy Scouts. He also had an artistic side and was skilled at drawing, as well as playing guitar and piano. Greg attended Fuller and Cielo Elementary Schools, Kyrene Middle School, and Corona del Sol High School. He had many dear friends who appreciated his sharp wit, kind heart, and musical talents.

After high school, Greg attended Arizona State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. In 1999, he launched his career in the financial industry and technical field, working as a stockbroker and project manager for Terra Nova Trading Company in Chicago. He later worked for FutureTrade in California. Ultimately, Greg relocated to Anderson, Indiana, to be close to his aging grandparents while holding positions at U.S. Zinc, Xerox, and Concentrix.

In 2017, Greg became a full-time caregiver for his beloved Grandma Jeanne, a job he poured his heart into. After Jeanne passed away in 2021, just shy of her 100th birthday, Greg returned to Arizona and worked for Charles Schwab as an associate. He took pride in his job and greatly valued his team members. Outside of work, he utilized his professional skills to serve as his family’s personal IT support technician.

Greg was incredibly smart and philosophical, and he had a keen sense of humor. He was profoundly compassionate and always seemed to root for the underdog. He especially had a soft spot for animals. At five years old, his first cat Scooter came into his life, sparking his lifelong dedication to animals. He adored his cats—most of whom he had rescued from difficult conditions—and he spared no expense in caring for them and giving them the best life possible. His last cat, Colby, died a month prior to Greg’s passing.

Greg also loved being an uncle to his niece, Leah, and nephew, Aidan. They brought so much light to his life, and he to theirs. Greg would regularly FaceTime with Aidan (3) and indulge him in the mysteries of life, like the wonder of ceiling fans. Greg had a knack for seeing the world through other people’s eyes. He also enjoyed music, martial arts, and cheering for the Phoenix Suns.

Greg is survived by his parents, Julie McKnight, Rick Lovell, and Michael McKnight; sister, Jenna McKnight (Brant Coletta); niece, Leah Costlow; nephew, Aidan McKnight Coletta; brother-in-law, Wes Costlow; grandmother, Eldoris Lovell; stepmother, Cindy; stepsister, Cassie; step-nephew, Rhett; aunt, Susan; step-aunts, Bonnie, Debbie, Kathy, and Sherri; step-uncles, Dan, Dan, Dean, and Terry; cousins, Tige and Cole; step-cousins, Kelsey, Mike, Jenna, Cory, Jamie, Aaron, Brandon, Andrew, and Nathan; cousins, Jennie Taylor, Becky Taylor, Cherie Morse, Julie Morse, Shannon Whited, Lexi Smith, and Barbara and Kenny Falk; and many more family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Jamie McKnight Costlow; his grandparents, Jeanne and Paul McKnight, Roberta and Lou Daroff, and Lawrence Lovell; and his uncle, Lou Daroff.

A celebration of Greg’s life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, at Green Acres Mortuary, 401 Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257.

To contact the family, please email Greg’s sister: [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations can be made in Greg’s name to the Arizona Humane Society: https://shorturl.at/sQvdj

Thank you to everyone for your love and support.