LIMESTONE and SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Ralph M. Knight died peacefully June 2, 2010, surrounded by his family and friends at his home. He was born April 19, 1915, in Limestone. Mr. Knight spent the first 20 years of his life working on the family potato farms in Limestone. Ralph graduated cum laude from New Jersey Institute of Technology in 1939, with a Bachelor of Arts in chemical engineering, and did post graduate studies at the University of Delaware. He spent his career working in the chemical and plastics industry at DuPont, Standard Oil of Indiana, National Distillers & Chemical Corporation and retired from Dart Industries, where he was executive vice president and a member of the board of directors. Among his many accomplishments in this field was being instrumental in the development of radar used in the Battle of Britain and the development of polyethylene, ABS and polypropylene for many uses, including tupperware. Ralph licensed this technology throughout the world. He served as a member of the board of directors for Estireno del Zulia, Venezuela, where he oversaw the building of plastic plants. A fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Ralph was selected to be in “Who’s Who in Technology Today,” by virtue of his significant contributions to the disciplines of advanced science and technology. He also was a member of Manufacturing Chemists Association. A resident of the Pinnacle Peak area for 35 years, Ralph founded Greater Pinnacle Peak Homeowners Association and served as co-founder of Arizona School Choice Trust and as co-founder of McDowell Mountain Preserve. In addition, Ralph took the time to be very active in local politics. Together with Mayor Drinkwater, he convinced the state land commissioner to preserve Pinnacle Peak as a park. His many contributions to the north area and the surrounding Sonoran Desert made him a highly valued member of this community. Ralph was a member of Knights of Columbus and a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Among his many hobbies, Ralph was a wonderful gardener and was noted for his ability to grow beautiful roses. Loved and highly respected by his family and many friends because of his gentle and caring nature, Ralph is most often referred to as the finest man they have ever known. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Nancy; his daughters, Marie of Merritt Island, Fla., and Deborah and husband, Matt Rinn, of Scottsdale, Ariz.; three grandchildren, Calvin, Conor and Nolan; four great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and his faithful friend and protector, Spicey/Alex. He was predeceased by his son, Calvin; his parents, Perley and Gladys; brothers, Donald, Vaughn, Paul, Sheldon, Earle and Bernard; and sister, Phyllis. Relatives and friends may call 1 p.m. until the time of departure for the cemetery Saturday, June 19, at Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main St., Fort Fairfield. A graveside service will be conducted 3 p.m. Saturday at Riverside Cemetery, Fort Fairfield, with the Rev. Clement Thibodeau and the Rev. Robert Amunizzi co-officiating. A reception in Ralph’s memory will be held after the service at Knight Farm, 54 Knight Corner Road, Limestone. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ralph M. Knight Scholarship Fund for Engineering and Science Students, Catholic Community Foundation, 400 E. Monroe, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.dragonpoint.us. <
RALPH M. KNIGHT
