Senior Lifetime Achievement Awards
John M. Knighton
Slingerlands, NY
DOB:
February 2, 1913
Nominated by: Shirley & Howard Otty
Organization:
Early
Accomplishments: Dr. John (Jack) M. Knighton graduated from Bennett High
School in Buffalo in 1930. He received a doctor of dental surgery degree from
University of Buffalo in 1935.
Family:
He was married to Lucille Young for 52 years. He has two children, Robert
Knighton and Joyce Knighton Christenson, a grandson Andrew Christenson and
several stepgrandchildren and great grandchildren.
Career:
Dr. Knighton was a dentist in Albany from 1935-1986 and was a clinical staff
member at Albany Medical Center Hospital for a number of years. He interned at
Albany Medical Center from 1935-1936. He was President of the Third District
Dental Society. He served for 4 years with 33 d
General
Hospital/ 1st Armored Division and was in the reserves for 7 years.
Volunteer
Activities/Middle Years: Dr. Knighton joined Westminster Presbyterian Church
in 1937. During 61 years of active membership, he has taught Sunday School
teacher; has served on all church boards and related committees; has worked on
Westminster's every member canvass; and has been a faithful visitor of shut-ins.
Since his retirement, he has been a stronger supporter of the Church mission
program. Dr. Knighton is a former President of Monarch Club (Service Club), was
an active PTA member, and volunteered at the Dental Clinic for children.
Volunteer
Activities/Senior Years: He drove for the Red Cross for I I years; served on
FOCUS Committees; food pick-up for FOCUS Food Pantry; early volunteer on FOCUS
Breakfast Program; and was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church Kitchen
Committee when the kitchen was extensively remodeled.
Other:
Jack's dental career was primarily one of service and not financial gain. Many
of his patients became friends and he is still greeted warmly when they chance
to meet.