Dr. Michael George Knowlton passes away
Former Summit Superintendent Michael George Knowlton passed away on June 7, 2023. Dr. Knowlton retired in 2004 from Summit Public Schools and was loved and admired by many.
Obituary
Michael George Knowlton was born on September 1, 1946, in Binghamton, New York. He was predeceased by his parents, Richardson Drake Knowlton and Virginia Seeber Knowlton. He has one brother, Richardson Drake Knowlton, II of Guyton, Georgia. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February, 2023. He succumbed to the disease on June 7, 2023.
Michael graduated from Windsor Central School District, Windsor, NY in 1964. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Government from Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio in 1968, his Master of Science Degree in Education from State University of New York, Cortland in 1975, and his Doctor of Education from Syracuse University in 1985. He held Assistant Superintendent positions in Windsor, NY, Hilton, NY, and White Plains, NY. His career led him to become a Superintendent of Schools in Valhalla, NY and Summit, NJ where he retired in 2004.
He met his wife, Lunetta Jane Bennett while attending Oberlin College. They were married December 28, 1968 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They had two children, Michael Bennett Knowlton born in 1970 currently residing in Englewood, FL and Amy Jane Knowlton Lamb born in 1972 currently residing in St. Louis, Mo. Michael is married to Kelly Grimm Knowlton and they have one child, Windley Virginia Knowlton. Amy is married to Keith Richard Lamb and they have two children, Breuer Jane Lamb and Bodhi Knowlton Lamb. During his last months he received a great deal of pleasure from his two Havanese puppies, Isa and Henry.
After retirement from the Summit, New Jersey School District Michael and Lunetta lived in Clayton, Oklahoma for several years while building a home in Venice, Florida where they resided for over 15 years before moving to Englewood. During his retirement, he became an avid Bonsai collector and expert in the art form. His collection included as many as 125 Bonsai Trees at the peak of his involvement with the art form. He was elected President of Sho Fu Bonsai Society of Sarasota and Bonsai Societies of Florida. He also was an active member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Venice, Florida. He served as Senior Warden under 2 Rectors and was Treasurer of the Church for many years.
Michael was not only loved by his family, but by so many, whose lives he touched through his 76 years. If you wish to donate in his honor, the family asks that you consider giving to the Lustgarten Foundation, 415 Crossways Park Drive, Suite D, Woodbury, NY 11797. 100% of donations fund pancreatic cancer research. Pancreatic Cancer is called the silent killer. You don’t find out you have the disease until it is too late to combat it. Alternately, a donation to Tidewell Hospice or St. Mark’s Episcopal Church would be welcome.
