David C. Knight

David C. Knight, proud lifelong native of Newburyport, died at his home on December 2, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family.  David waged a fierce battle against a rare form of Parkinson’s Disease known as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).  David faced his diagnosis with courage and determination.  Together with his wife Michele, he dedicated himself to the fight, joining Rock Steady Boxing, working with his personal trainer at the Ipswich YMCA and cycling and boxing at the Merrimac Valley YMCA in Andover.  David maintained the happy and full life he and Michele had built, traveling, boating and golfing, spending precious time with the family and friends he so loved.         

David graduated from Newburyport High School in 1969, later earning his bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University.  He was a gifted athlete who loved football and ice hockey, still skating in a men’s league until just a few years ago.  David loved to boat and waterski on Lake Winnipesaukee.  He hiked Tuckerman Ravine and skied down many of the runs that span the bowl.  He was a member of the Winner’s Circle Running Club and ran three Boston Marathons.  He was proud of his medal from the 1998 Massachusetts Law Enforcement Games winning the title of Toughest Cop Alive.   

David’s early friendships lasted his entire life. He and his friends pumped handtubs for the West Newbury Gardner 4 team’s competitive musters, following the team throughout New England and upstate New York on summer weekends during the early 1970s.  David coached youth hockey during that same decade, first for the Amesbury peewees then for the Newburyport mites.   He played for the locally sponsored Black Sheep (Bucket of Blood) and Flying Yankees men’s hockey teams.  In the late 1970s, David played both center and wing in several preseason games with the Bruins, skating alongside Wayne Cashman, Brad Park, and John Bucyk.  The late 1980s found him in the broadcast booth doing color commentary for Newburyport’s High School hockey team on the local cable channel.  His beloved dad Fuzzy played with him during local pick-up games on the Mall and other area ponds.   

David was a veteran, serving in the Air Force during Vietnam.  He skied competitively for the Air Force during his service.  David then went on to serve the Newburyport community as a police officer for 25 years.  He had so many good memories of time spent with fellow officers, whether on the job, camping or on one of their Gumball motorcycle rallies.  He was president of his local police union and retired as the City’s School Resource Officer, a position he genuinely loved.  David returned to the Newburyport school system as a substitute teacher for several years after his initial retirement. 

David was a gifted storyteller, a musician, a coach and a mentor. He was a true partner and best friend.  This tough but gentle man with beautiful blue eyes and a mischievous smile loved the Wizard of Oz, Pink Floyd, Queen, and organ music. He loved his dog Reilly.  And oh how he loved his ice cream.      

David is survived by his wife Michele Gormley and their son Christopher Fischer; daughters Trisha Knight and Tiffany Knight, son Paul Knight and sister Deborah Varney.  He was predeceased by his parents Oscar “Fuzzy” Knight and Norma Knight. 

We want to express our deepest gratitude to all the medical professionals and caregivers who helped David in this last year.  You brought him hope and comfort.  Special thanks to our neighborhood community who have loved and supported us through this battle. 

Taking time to let our hearts heal, David’s life will be celebrated in the spring. The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950 is assisting Mr. Knight’s family with his arrangements.

Donations in David’s memory may be made to CurePSP.     

To offer online condolences please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com     

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