John K. Knott, Jr.

On March 9, 2025, John Kenneth Knott, Jr. of Cheshire returned home.

John is survived by his children: son Douglas and his wife Michelle, daughter Kate, and son Andrew and his wife Meghan; twelve grandchildren: Stephen, Clara, Michael, Eric, Ethan, Gabriel, Carolyn, Sarah, David, AnnaChristine, Edithe, and Oliver; and his sister, Judith D. Knott. John was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Judith.

John was born in Waterbury on June 8, 1938, to John K. and Gladys (neé Muchalight) Knott. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury, the Citadel, and Boston University School of Law. Later that year, in 1964, he and Judith C. McKee, of Watertown, married and he then was admitted to the Connecticut Bar. Thereafter, he entered the Army’s 30th Field Artillery Regiment where he served in Vietnam, earning the rank of Captain.

Returning to civilian life, John began his career at Pouzzner and Hadden in New Haven where he would eventually become partner and remain for his entire career; his firm continues under the name of Knott & Santoro. One of his cases broke the record as having the highest jury verdict in the history of the state. But the work he most enjoyed was representing small towns, which lead him to be known as Connecticut’s “Dean of Municipal Law.” And of those towns he served, Cheshire held pride of place, being its town attorney for 35 years. In all, John practiced law for sixty years.

When not working, John loved shooting clay at Hamden Fish and Game Club, and founded the sporting clays field there, which bears his name. He was an avid reader of theology and philosophy and an even more avid pipe and cigar smoker. But John was most happy simply in the presence of late wife, Judy.

John volunteered for several professional, civic, educational, and religious causes over the years—too many too list here.

John could best be described as a happy warrior for his country, his clients, and his faith.

Arrangements - A Mass of Christian Burial will commence at noon on Friday, March 14 at St. Bridget Church, 175 Main Street, Cheshire. In lieu of calling hours, a reception will be held from 1:30 to 4:00 at Il Gusto, 286 Maple Avenue, Cheshire CT, 06410. Burial is private at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Watertown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Carolyn’s Place: 137 Grandview Ave, Waterbury, CT 06708: http://www.carolynsplace.net/.