Mark Kevin McKnight

On August 30th, 2024, Mark Kevin McKnight, age 58, passed away in Reidville, South Carolina. Mark was the first child born to Earl E. McKnight and Cheryl M. (Annacone) McKnight. He was raised alongside his sister Melinda and brother Bryan in Mine Hill, New Jersey. Mark graduated from Dover High School, and continued his education at Rutgers University, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Ceramic Sciences and Engineering. After graduation, Mark had a successful career in manufacturing holding various positions including Supply Chain Analyst for notable companies including PQ Corporation, Airtron Division of Litton Industries, and Givaudan Fragrances Corporation. During his career, Mark earned his Master's of Finance from Fairleigh Dickinson University. On Valentine's Day 1992, Mark met his future wife, Jonna Moss, through a mutual friend. Mark was always one to make a lasting impression, even bringing a dozen flowers to Jonna on their first date. From the early stages of their relationship, Mark and Jonna knew that their love and friendship would be everlasting. After marrying in 1995 and making several moves, Mark and Jonna purchased a home in Andover Township, New Jersey, where they raised their son and resided for 13 years. Afterward, they moved to Peoria, Arizona for six years and recently settled in Reidville, South Carolina. Many fond memories were made throughout the years, including their frequent travels throughout the U.S. and abroad. They enjoyed close to 29 years of marriage and 32 years of partnership. One of Mark’s greatest joys was the relationship he shared with his son, Connor. The two were inseparable from the start spending their free time together trekking mountains, kayaking across lakes, dueling in ping pong, watching their favorite television shows, and competing head-to-head in local 5K races. It was no secret that Mark had an immense passion for long-distance running, which began during his years racing varsity cross country for Dover High School. No distance was too far as Mark frequently participated in 5Ks, 10Ks, half and full marathons, and ultramarathons. An active member of several running clubs throughout his life, Mark valued sharing his devotion to the sport and connecting with like-minded athletes. When not running Mark enjoyed keeping his mind active and challenging himself intellectually. You could often find him completing the daily crossword puzzle, solving various Rubik's Cubes, competing in chess tournaments, challenging friends to a game of pool, or reading the latest Stephen King best-selling novel. Mark was a devoted and kind husband, father, brother, uncle, mentor, and friend. He was best known for his wonderful sense of humor, intelligence, practical knowledge, love for animals, and friendly and compassionate nature. Mark was predeceased by his father, Earl E. McKnight; his father-in-law John P. Moss; his mother-in-law Margaret E. Moss; and his aunt Sharon Kesler. Mark is survived by his wife Jonna McKnight of Reidville, South Carolina; son Connor McKnight of Belleville, New Jersey; sister Melinda McKnight and partner Mathew Thompson of Bridgewater, New Jersey; brother Bryan McKnight and wife Caroline (Bondoc) McKnight of Vero Beach, Florida; mother Cheryl M. (Annacone) McKnight of Vero Beach, Florida; brother-in-law Craig Moss of Reidville, South Carolina; aunt and uncle Douglas and Cynthia Medin of Newtown, Minnesota; uncle and aunt Robert and Linda McKnight of Bloomingdale, New Jersey; uncle Patrick Kesler of Springfield, Illinois; nephews and niece Tyler, Evan, and Liana McKnight; and many other loved family and friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. We celebrate his life and will continue to cherish happy memories of him. A Celebration of Life Service is planned for Saturday, October 5, 2024. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM and a service will begin at 12:00 PM at Living Waters Funeral Home & Crematory.

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Mark Kevin McKnight

April 19, 1966 - August 30, 2024