By Darrell Dawsey
INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
Richard N. Knight Jr., 77, a retired insurance-industry executive, died Friday at his Gladwyne home after a long illness.
After his father died in the late 1940s, Mr. Knight took over as managing partner of his family's insurance business, H.C. Knight and Co., which specialized in marine casualties.
He oversaw the 100-year-old company, which his grandfather had founded and his father also had run, until the partnership was dissolved in 1988.
Mr. Knight then became director of Posse Walsh and Co., a Blue Bell insurance company.
Relatives recalled Mr. Knight as a sports enthusiast who excelled at a variety of games, particularly golf and squash.
He was a member of the Racquet Club of Philadelphia, where his talent for doubles squash was reflected on the tournament boards. He also belongcd to several golf clubs, including Gulph Mills and Pine Valley, and was a former president of the Fourth Street Club, where he played bridge, sniff and backgammon.
"He enjoyed all kinds of sports, from equestrian as a youth to board games later on in his life," said his son, Richard Knight 3d. A native of Gladwyne, Mr. Knight spent summers at his family's home on Chebeague Island, Maine, where he had vacationed often since childhood. The family's Gladwyne home, known as "Glen Laurel," was featured as the 1995 Vasser Designer Showhouse.
Mr. Knight, who graduated from Episcopal Academy and Cornell University, served in the Army dur ing World War 11, in the Pacific theater. He retired as a major.
In addition to his son, he is survived by his wife, Ann Philbrick Knight; a daughter, Jeanne K. Wentling, another son, John P.; a sister, Anne K. Galey; and six grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Episcopal Academy or the Visiting Nurse Association of Greater Philadelphia. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, Gladwyne.