John Francis Knott Sr.

John is survived by his son John F. Knott, Jr, granddaughters Kristi Bingham (Tom), Jennifer Baker (Ryan) and Meagan Monfrida. John is also survived by his 5 great-granddaughters; Brianna Bingham, Victoria Bingham, Lexi Bingham, Kierstin Baker and Mallorie Baker. He is preceded in death by his wife Helen Knott (Fowler) and daughter Becky Monfrida (Vic).

John was born on March 29, 1922 in the Township of Washington in Pennsylvania to Ernest Knott and Ruth Lohman. He completed 3 and one half years of high school before entering the United States Army where he served for 4 years 9 months as a cook in the 195th General Hospital mess hall. John served in combat areas in the European Theater of Operations. On September 18, 1943 John married the love of his life Helen “Sis” Knott and in 1944 had a son John Jr. After separation from the Army John and his family lived in Washington, DC where he began working for the DC Transit System, Inc. as a streetcar operator and bus driver. On January 3, 1954 John and Sis added a daughter, Becky Knott (Monfrida) to the family. During this time John and his family moved to Riverdale, MD. John retired from the DC Transit System on July 22, 1968 after 23 years 5 months of service. John began working as a painter for Bryan and Associates of Edmonston, MD. until 1971 when he retired for good.

John was known as a man of few words, but the ones he spoke were meaningful. He took pride in their home in Riverdale, Maryland and would spend hours working in the yard, even though there were “damn” weeds. He and Sis would enjoy outings with friends, neighbors and family and there was a spot at their table for you if you happened to stop by. After the death of his beloved wife, John moved in with his son John Jr and the two were a comical pair for 16 years. It was a common site to see John sitting in the audience at countless dance recitals, soccer games and school concerts in support of his granddaughters. This tradition continued for the great-granddaughters and even in his wheel chair John would come out to support “his girls”. John was loved by family, friends, neighbors and strangers.

A viewing is scheduled for Wednesday June 1, 2016 at 10:00 am at Robert E. Evans Funeral Home in Bowie, MD. with a service to follow at 11:00 am. Upon completion of the service the interment will take place at Ft. Lincoln Cemetery in Brentwood, Maryland. Rev. Steve Barrick will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate John’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Diabetes Association at PO Box 11454 Alexandria, VA 22312 or at www.diabetes.org. Condolences can be sent to The Knott Family at 2759 Queensburry Drive Huntingtown, MD 20639. The family would like to thank all those who have participated in John’s care for their dedication, kindness and patience.