Obituary of Frank Matthew Knott

Frank Matthew Knott, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, died Friday, March 3^rd, 2023.

Frank was born in Washington, DC to William Maury and Elsie Mae Knott. Frank was the eldest of three children, and spent most of his childhood in Arlington, attending Washington-Lee High School before moving with his family to Japan for his senior year. The assignment was part of his father’s work in the foreign service, and Frank decided to remain with his family in Japan following his graduation, and work for a year at the US government offices before starting university. It was that assignment that solidified his interest in the practical and operational side of government service and foreign relations. Following a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts and a master’s degree from Pennsylvania State University, he spent 46 years working in foreign service endeavors before retiring.

Just prior to his first overseas assignment, he met Regina Margaret Willett, and they were married in August of 1970. They had their first child Gregory, in Germany, and then during the more than 20 years of overseas assignments in Europe and Africa, Eric, Andrew, and Julia were added to the family.

Frank was an avid reader, a mercurial sports fan, and a collector of stamps and coins. He enjoyed a wide range of novels, tomes on US history, and especially biographies of statesmen. His continued passion for foreign relations and government service was evident in many of the family conversations. Though firm in his convictions, he was a lifelong learner and enjoyed a spirited discussion.

In retirement he and his wife Regina served as Eucharistic Ministers at their church. He loved spending time with his three cherished grandchildren, Isaac, Anna, and Samuel; always willing to play a game or join them in an activity when asked, even if it was long-distance over video. He treasured time with his three daughters in-law, Courtney, Meghan, and Cara, and his son in-law Chris. He appreciated good wine, a cold beer with his children, as well as a good root beer. Ice cream was his perennial dessert favorite. His method of rinsing dishes and loading a dishwasher was peerless.

Frank is survived by his sister Mary Ellen, his wife Regina of more than 50 years, his four children Gregory, Eric, Andrew, and Julie, and three grandchildren Isaac, Anna, and Samuel. Frank was preceded in death by his sister Elizabeth. He continued to profess to the very end that marrying Regina was the best decision he ever made. He will be dearly missed and loved forever.