Robert G Knight (Cap’m Bob) 68, of St. Peterburg, FL passes away 08/21/2026 at the Bay Pines VA Hospice unit.
Born January 20th 1958 in Dayton, OH to Dorthea Jane and Robert Russell. He was raised by his mother Dorthea Jane (Dusty) and father James Knight (Fuzzy) in Virginia Beach, VA where he attended Princess Anne Highschool. He joined the United States Army in 1975. In 1976 he moved to St. Petersburg, FL where he attended Pinellas Technical Education Center and obtained a degree in HVAC/Refrigeration, a career he thrived in for many years.
In 1977 he met the love of his life and wife of 45 years, Gabriele. They married in 1980 and in 1981 they had their daughter, Tonia.
During the healthiest years of his life, he enjoyed riding his Harley. He participated in toy runs and other motorcycle rides over the years. He was a master pool player, counted incomprehensibly fast during the game of cribbage, won every hand of gin rummy and counseled many people looking for guidance in recovery 12-step programs. Even after his health faded and his mind wandered, he still always loved his family.
He is survived by his wife Gabriele Knight, daughter Tonia Donaldson (her husband Merle), granddaughter Mila Donaldson, and sister Kym Grasso (Skimp) (her husband Ralph).
Bob is now bowling in heaven with his mother Dorthea Jane (Dusty), his father James Knight (Fuzzy), and his sister Rhonda Bushyager (Pooh).
Services will be held with full honors at Bay Pines National Cemetery October 2nd at 12:30.
3 Responses
Good old Bob!! You were a good daddy to Tonia and me when I was a kid without my father around..you always made life a adventure!
Bob was my big brother and he was always Robbie to me even when he preferred to be grown up Bob. I have so many memories, so many things he taught me as a kid like how to ride a bike and one day he even put me on a mini dirt bike that I promptly drove right into the bushes. Needless to say Dad didn’t let him teach me how to drive a car. Robbie was a good, kind, loving man and despite the health issues he struggled with his whole life he always tried to do for others. He loved Gabrielle and Tonia, they were the lights of his life and he loved his family more than anything. I take great comfort in knowing he was welcomed by all of those that went before us and that his suffering is finally over. Say hi to Mom, Dad and Pooh for me!
Bob was my big brother and he was always Robbie to me even when he preferred to be grown up Bob. I have so many memories, so many things he taught me as a kid like how to ride a bike and one day he even put me on a mini dirt bike that I promptly drove right into the bushes. Needless to say Dad didn’t let him teach me how to drive a car. Robbie was a good, kind, loving man and despite the health issues he struggled with his whole life he always tried to do for others. He loved Gabrielle and Tonia, they were the lights of his life and he loved his family more than anything. I take great comfort in knowing he was welcomed by all of those that went before us and that his suffering is finally over. Say hi to Mom, Dad and Pooh for me!