Paul John Knight, 57, passed away on December 10, 2024, in Switzerland surrounded by his immediate family and following his courageous battle against Huntington’s Disease. Born on June 16, 1967 in Los Angeles, California, Paul's legacy is marked by his love for his family, his service to his country, and his commitment to bettering his community through both his professional and volunteer efforts.

A proud veteran, Paul served 4 years as a medic in the United States Air Force. He subsequently joined the Massachusetts Air National Guard, stationed at Otis National Guard Base, and served for 20 years, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant before his retirement. Paul earned several recognitions including the Air Force Commendation medal and the John Levitow leadership award.

Following his active-duty service, Paul landed on the North Shore of Massachusetts where he met his wife Laura and established strong roots. Paul embarked on a professional career in information technology, working for many years at Elderhostel (now known as Road Scholar) and EBSCO Publishing. He pursued a life-long goal and obtained his bachelor’s degree in information technology in 2013 while working full time and raising two children.

Paul was deeply committed to the Beverly community, evident from his extensive volunteer work. He was a Sunday school teacher and wore many volunteer hats at First Parish Church, served on various Beverly committees including Open Space & Recreation, was active in local politics, and was a Registrar of Voters. When he was no longer able to work due to his disease, he volunteered for several years at Beverly Hospital. He was an avid chess strategist, loved playing Dungeons & Dragons with family and friends, and there wasn’t a science fiction show or ice cream flavor he didn’t enjoy. Paul was gregarious, kind, witty, compassionate, funny, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

Paul is survived by his wife of 28 years, Laura Wallace Knight; sons Alexander and Lucas; sister Khari Knight Compton (Chad); brother Gideon Knight (Quinn); mother in law Kali Lightfoot; aunts Joan Bivens and Wendy Bailey; uncle Patrick Bailey (Rachelle); cousins Robert Bivens (Wendy), Caitlin Daley (Joe), Madigan, Brynn and Logan Bailey; nieces Brittany Godoy (Jaime), Madeline and Audrey Knight; nephew Shannon Swope; great niece Viviana Godoy; second cousins Nolan and Abby Daley, and many dear friends near and far. He was preceded in death by his mother, Paula Bailey, and aunt Kelly Bailey who both passed away from Huntington’s Disease.

A celebration of life will be held in May 2025 in Beverly, MA, with further details to be announced. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Huntington's Disease Society of America (https://hdsa.org/get-involved…) and Sweet Paws Rescue (Donate — Sweet Paws Rescue), organizations that were close to Paul’s heart.

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