Harold James Knight Obituary
May 31, 2025
Harold James “Harry” Knight, 82, of Tiverton, Rhode Island, and Naples, Florida, passed away on May 31, 2025, after a courageous year-long battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Born in Concord, Massachusetts, Harold was the son of the late Harold James Knight Sr. and the late Alberta (Barker) Knight. He was raised in Acton, Massachusetts, and left home at the age of 18 to serve in the U.S. Navy, where he received his formal education.
Following his military service, Harold began a successful career in the commercial lines insurance industry, working for Allstate and later for Jardine Matheson Insurance Brokers. In 1985, he founded Knight International, Inc., a full-service brokerage firm based in Boston. As his business flourished, he expanded into the staffing industry, establishing a temporary staffing agency as a natural extension of his brokerage operations. After selling his businesses in 2018, Harold continued to consult, mentor, and teach many insurance professionals, contributing significantly to their success and the industry he loved.
While Harold was dedicated to his work, his greatest joys were his family, friends, reading, and especially boating. In 1987, he purchased Highland Light, a 44-foot custom-designed sailboat by Henry Scheel. He proudly took possession in Florida and sailed her north to Massachusetts with his crew, adding to a lifetime defined by adventure and a deep love for the sea.
Harold is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 40 years, Holly Hintlian Knight; his daughters Deborah Wojcicki and Cheryl Knight from his previous marriage to Mary Anne Cobleigh; his brother Richard Knight and his wife Betty; his sister June Burke and her husband Tom; and his sister-in-law Yvonne, wife of the late John Knight. He also leaves behind Holly’s extended family, many nieces and nephews, business associates, yacht club members, and countless cherished friends.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Armenian Church, 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Burial will follow at Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge. A reception will be held afterwards at The Charles Hotel.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Harold’s name to:
• The ALS Association
1300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209
[email protected] | als.org
• HOP on a Cure Foundation
760 Old Roswell Road, Suite 398, Roswell, GA 30076
HopOnACure.org