Richard "Dick" F. McKnight

Richard F. “Dick” McKnight, 90, of Hilton Head Island, SC, passed away at his home on August 8, 2025. Born August 11, 1934, in Bridgeport, CT, to Earl and Sophie McKnight, Richard grew up in the Bridgeport-Fairfield area. A graduate of Bassick High School, Richard attended Penn State University in 1953, where he was a proud member of Pi Kappa Phi. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Economics, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was commissioned at Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI, serving over five years on active duty aboard fleet destroyers and as aide to the Deputy Commander, Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic. He later continued in the Naval Reserve, retiring after 30 years with the rank of Captain. In the late 60s, Richard co-owned Manpower, Inc., and later founded The McKnight Group.

Deeply committed to his community, he served as President of the Navy League; chairman of the Visiting Nurses; and for nearly 20 years, served as board chair and fundraiser for the Fairfield chapter of March of Dimes. 

Golf was one of Richard’s greatest enjoyments; he was also on the Board of Governors of Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield, CT, where he and Judi were members for more than forty years. They moved to Hilton Head Island, SC to retire in 2022 to continue their enjoyment of golf and each other.

Richard was industrious, generous, and a man of integrity, with a heart for both people and animals. He cared deeply for his friends and family and was devoted to his wife Judi. Cats held a special place in his heart, especially his last cat Samoa. Richard lived a life full of love, accomplishments, and memories that will live on in those who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Judith (Cain) McKnight; son Jeffrey (Kim) of Virginia Beach, VA; grandchildren Jeffrey, Ashley and Robert; seven great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Mary Jo (Cain) Hopkins of SC; nieces Betsy Morrison of ID, Nancie Morrison-Evans (David) of FL, Susan Jones (Robert) of FL, Mary Kate Hopkins of SC, and Elizabeth Piel (David) of CT; nephew Robert Morrison (Terry) of MA; and many great-nieces and great-nephews who will miss him dearly. He was predeceased by his brother Earl McKnight of Atlanta, GA and sister Liz Morrison of Hilton Head Island, SC. 

A donation in memory of Richard may be made to the Navy Memorial or Best Friends Animal Society.