McKNIGHT, KEITH

Funeral services too place Sept. 21 at Christ the King Catholic Church, Jersey City, for Keith McKnight, 72, of Jersey City. He passed away Sept. 10. Keith was born in Kingstree, S.C. to the late Laurie and Margaret McKnight. Keith moved to Jersey City at the age of six and attended P.S. 14 and Lincoln High School, where he achieved many academic and athletic scholarships. Keith was awarded a basketball scholarship to LSU and a football scholarship to Holy Cross. Unfortunately, world events carried him to Southwest Asia to the Vietnam War. Before Keith departed to serve his country, he met and married the love of his life, the late Rita McKnight. From their union one child was born whom they named Kevin. Upon his return from service, Keith became employed with Western Electric (now AT&T), pursued an undergraduate degree from Jersey City State College (NJCU) and climbed up the corporate ladder; retiring as an executive with AT&T. After retirement Keith was called to the cloth and completed his requirements in Theology School and on June 6, 1999 he became a permanent member of the Diaconate of the Roman Catholic Church. Deacon Keith and his late wife Rita traveled the world evangelizing and worked tirelessly in the religious community for years. The deacon in survived by his son Kevin McKnight (Cheryl), three grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Kayla and Christopher;  in-laws, nieces, nephews other  relatives and friends. Services arranged by the Jackson Funeral Residence, Jersey City.