Danvers, MA-John Clift McKnight passed away March 17, 2016 in Beverly, Mass. after a short illness. He was 86.

John C. McKnight was a forty-year resident of Danvers, Mass.  Born April 19, 1929, he was the son of Leland and Evelyn (Clift) McKnight. He was raised in West Hebron, New York and was a graduate of the Washington Academy in Salem, New York.  He received a bachelor's degree from Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania in 1951. He served in the Army from 1955 to 1957, and was stationed in Germany as a radio repair technician. After returning from Germany, he spent several more years as a reservist.

John spent his career as a broadcast engineer, most recently at WGBH in Boston.  He was fascinated by technology all his life, was an audiophile and a photographer, and spent hours teaching himself to use and build computers.  In retirement, John was a frequent visitor to Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, where he enjoyed singing in the Sharpsville United Methodist Church choir.

John is survived by his sister, Mary Nelson of Sharpsville; his brother in law, Donald Mesick of Williamstown, Ma; several nieces and nephews, and numerous grand-nieces and nephews. His sister, Jane Mesick, predeceased him.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 11, 2016 at the West Hebron United Presbyterian Church, 3157 County Route 30, Salem.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Flint Public Library in Middleton, Mass., the Salem Central School District in Salem, New York, or to Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa.