Leonard "Buddy" Knott , VRHS Class of 1940
Rensselaer- Leonard "Buddy" Knott, 98, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 23, 2022. He was born July 4, 1924, in Hudson, NY. Leonard was the son of the late James R. Knott and Beatrice (Foster) Knott. Leonard was the devoted husband to the late Margaret M. Knott. They were married for 25 years. After attending Van Rensselaer High School, Buddy enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served his country as a Medical Technician in Company A, 119th Medical Battalion, 44th Infantry Division, 71st Infantry Regiment during WWII until his honorable discharge as a Tec-4. He was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation with Germany clasp, Good Conduct Medal, and Meritorious Unit Commendation for his actions in Northern France, the Rhineland, and Central Europe. Buddy worked as a Security Guard for the NYS Workers' Compensation Board in Schenectady where he cherished all the friendships he made with his coworkers. His family would like to extend a special "Thank You" to all of them for the love and kindness they always gave him. He was also a proud member of the American Legion, Legnard-Curtin Post 927 in Green Island for 77 years. Time was a precious commodity to Buddy which he enjoyed while spending time with his family and friends, going to cookout gatherings. Buddy is survived by his grandchildren, Wayne (Kelly) Smith and Michelle (Tony) Smith-Ferraro; great-grandson, Wyatt Beaumont; nephews, Lewis Knott, John Knott, Roger Knott, John Cramer; niece, Susan Morris; niece in-law, Ada Hotaling; his great-nephew, Michael (Lindsay) Knott; great-niece Leslee Knott, and many more nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and countless friends. In addition to his wife, Buddy is predeceased by his daughter, Ralene L. (Marvin) Smith; siblings, Sarah C. Smith, Pearl F. Dougherty, Bertha M. Cramer, Harry S. Knott, and James W. Knott; nephews William H. Hotaling, Robert J. Knott, and Clifford K. Knott; niece Dorothy (Hotaling) Exler and Linda L. (Knott) Vonronne. A graveside service will be held Friday, December 9, 2022 at 2:30pm at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY.