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Brian A. Knight, 77, Ringwood

Brian A. Knight, 77, Ringwood, died Saturday, April 9, 2016, at his residence. 

He was born May 31, 1938, to Edward and Sophie (Berzinis) Knight in North Conway, N.H. 

On Oct. 5, 1963, he married Janice M. Miller at First Presbyterian Church in Woodstock.

Brian proudly served in the U.S. Air Force on active duty for eight years. 

He earned a bachelor’s degree from Plymouth State College, New Hampshire, and a master’s degree from National Louis University, Joliet. He joined the U.S. Army and attended the Sergeants Major Academy and Drill Sergeant Academy and served as commandant of the Drill Sergeant Schools of the 85th Division TNG. 

After he and his family moved to Illinois, he taught at Northwood Middle School, Woodstock, for 25 years, the highlight of his life. He also coached cross-country, track and wrestling at the school. His strength was innovation and challenges for his beloved students. 

He retired from the U.S. Army Reserve as a commander sergeant major after 37 years of service. He was a member and past master of St. Mark’s Lodge No. 63 AF and AM. He was active in the McHenry County Historical Society and the Bartlett, N. H., historical society. He was also a member of the 10th Mountain Division Descendent Association. He held life memberships in the National Rifle Association and the Non-Commissioned Officers Association.      

Survivors include his wife; four children, Terri Lynn Knight, Stephen (Gina) Knight, Sarah Poczkalski and Seth Knight; five grandchildren, Ashton Adams-Knight, Tyler Wenzel, Brianna Wenzel, Joseph Poczkalski Jr. and Rachael Poczkalski; a great-granddaughter, Charlotte Barwig; three siblings, Gail (Dave Flewelling) Tunstead, Paul (Faith) Knight and Sally Lombardo; a cousin, Anita Stanley; and many special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son-in-law, Joseph Poczkalski Sr. on June 11, 2012. 

The cremation rite will be accorded privately. A gathering of friends and family will be held at a later date.

Arrangements were made by Justen Funeral Home & Crematory, McHenry.

 

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