Fredrick N. Knight Sr., loving father and grandfather

LITTLE GENESEE — Fredrick N. Knight Sr., of 8178 Route 417, passed away Monday (March 2, 2026) at Jones Memorial Hospital.

Fred was born Sept. 24, 1950, in Bradford, Pa., and was the son of Carl and Jessie Eldridge Knight. On July 10, 1971, in Olean, he married Debra A. Hewitt, who predeceased him Nov. 13, 2014.

Fred served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968.

He worked at Bradford Regional Hospital for about two years; Bradford Era delivery for a year; Burns Security for five years in the mid 1980s; the YMCA in Olean for two years in the maintenance department; and the Clarksville DPW for five years, retiring in the late 1990s.

He was a social member of the Richburg Fire Department and formerly a member of the Clarksville Fire Department, Franklinville VFQ and an active fireman for many years.

Fred enjoyed fishing, hunting and being at home spending time with his family and friends.

Fred is survived by five children, Crystal L. Knight and Wendy S. (Cory) Rauch, both of Little Genesee, Fredrick N. (Teresa) Knight Jr. of Olean, Shannon C. (Brenda Mark) Knight of Pittsburgh, Pa. and Kelly N. (Merry Bish) Knight of Little Genesee; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three and a half siblings,  Pearl Harris, Carl Knight Jr. and Marion Huntoon; and lifelong friends for over 60 years, Laverne and Ethelma Raub.

Along with his loving wife, Debra, Fred was predeceased by his parents; and four siblings, Janice Hahn, Maudie Scott, Rosie Sikes and Earl Knight.

Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday (March 7, 2026) at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean, at which time a funeral service will be held. The Rev. David W. Herne, pastor of Heritage AFlame Ministry, will officiate. Burial will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Richburg Fire Department, 277 Main St. Richburg, NY 14774.

Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.