Donald T. Knight

Donald T. Knight

September 29, 2026

Donald T. Knight, 79, formerly of Scranton, died Tuesday morning at St. Clair Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Born in Scranton on February 12, 1947, to the late Donald Knight and Ursula Carey, he grew up in North Scranton and attended Scranton Technical High School.

Drafted in 1967, Donnie served his country with honor during the Vietnam War. After his discharge, he worked for more than 30 years at Tobyhanna Army Depot, building advanced electronics that supported the military.

Donnie remained devoted to veterans’ causes, volunteering frequently with Friends of the Forgotten to raise awareness of prisoners of war and those missing in action who, unlike him, did not return to the country they loved.

He loved his children and family. Thanksgiving was one of his favorite times of year, bringing everyone together before the opening of white-tailed deer season the following Monday.

Donnie was proud of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle he had always wanted. He loved working on it, showing it to visitors, riding on weekends, and attending major motorcycle gatherings around the country.

His door was always open. Around the kitchen table on Oak Street, everyone was equal; he would offer visitors a beer, and laughter and stories flowed freely.

A long time Eagles fan, Donnie suffered through many a losing season. He did live long enough to finally see them win that Super Bowl title he dreamed about (and then a second!), but fittingly, on his last day, he got to watch them stink. Perhaps he had seen enough.

Donald is survived by his sons, Donald E. Knight and his wife, Alicia, of Pittsburgh, and Michael Knight of Scranton; his daughter, Megan O’Keefe of Pittsburgh; his sisters, Diane Salsman of Tunkhannock and Donna Golden of Moscow; his grandchildren, Kaley and Molly Knight and Riley, Owen, and Asher O’Keefe; his beloved longtime companion, Tina Orner of Spring Brook; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Donald was preceded in death by a brother, Edward Knight, and a sister, Eleanor Sherman.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Holy Rosary Church, 320 William Street, Scranton. The family will receive relatives and friends Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Edward Knight O’Donnell Funeral Home LLC, 323 William Street, Scranton.

In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a donation to the VA in his honor. Donate online | Veteran Affairs

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