Randolph E. Knob

Randolph E. Knob 

Somerset, NJ - Randolph E. Knob, 74, died peacefully at home on September 1st, 2021, with his family at his side, on the Feast Day of The Holy Twelve Brothers, Martyrs. Son of Richard and Helen Knob, Randy was born on July 7th, 1947, in New York, NY. He grew up in Long Island, completed his undergraduate education at Manhattan College in the Class of 1969, and graduated from State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, College of Medicine in 1973. He completed his medical residency at the State University Kings County Hospital Center as Chief Resident of Surgery in 1978. A General Surgeon for 40 years, he practiced in Oneonta, NY, Springfield, MA, Summit, NJ, and Steubenville, OH.

A devout Catholic and daily communicant, he was a man of faith who sought to place Christ first in his life. He recognized the importance of humility, and as a reminder, he kept a wooden placard on his desk with the inscription, "Faithfulness not success." He attained both. 

Randy was a faithful, loving, and talented man who made a significant impact on the lives he touched. An outgoing person, his congenial personality and infectious laugh led him to connect with people anywhere he went. He was generous with his talents and had genuine care and concern for others; as a skilled surgeon, he was known for his compassionate bedside manner and used his gifted hands to save many lives. With his faithful wife, Ann, he prioritized and built a foundation of faith for their growing Catholic family which extended into his community. When he was not working or providing for his family, he was using his medical knowledge to serve others.  He was passionate about his work with the pro-life movement frequently attending the March for Life, speaking on the dignity and sanctity of life at all stages, and testifying for New Jersey Right to Life before the NJ State Legislature regarding the formal recognition of fetal pain and advocating against physician-assisted suicide. This respect for life was reflected by his resignation to God’s Will and his understanding of God as the author of life; through his prayerful acceptance of His Holy Will, he demonstrated the redemptive value of suffering in his battle with cancer. He was an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister in previous parishes and in the hospital, served as a Sacristan for Fr. John Stec at St. Mary’s of Czestochowa, and ministered to families and friends with medical issues.  He had previously been an active member of and volunteer for the People of Hope. 

A devoted father and grandfather, his family brought him great joy. His hobbies included making swing sets and furniture for his children, building dollhouses for his grandchildren, playing tennis, playing the saxophone, and solving the NY Times Crossword puzzles.  However, he cherished nothing more than spending time with his family and holding his grandchildren.   

Randy is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Ann Clavin Knob.  On June 12th,1971, they were married in a double wedding along with his good friend and fellow Manhattan College alumni, Anthony Franzonello, and Ann’s sister, Mary Clavin Franzonello, at Holy Name Church in New Rochelle. Randy is also survived by seven children and their spouses: Damien (Tara) Knob, Tara (Robert) Thompson, Daniel (Andrea) Knob, Peter (Sarah) Knob, Sean Knob, Timothy (Elizabeth) Knob, and Matthew (Alexis) Knob. A man who had reverence for life at all stages, he is proud to leave behind a growing legacy of 21 grandchildren. He is predeceased by his brother James and brother-in-law Ruben Argueta. He is also survived by his siblings Janet (Lou) Tullo, Kevin (Christine) Knob, Richard Knob, Julie Argueta, and Michael (Jackie) Knob, and hundreds of nieces and nephews. 

Randy will be dearly missed.

"He became as good a friend, [as good a brother, as good a husband, as good a father, as good a doctor], and as good a man, as the city knew" -Adapted from Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Visiting hours will be held from 2-4 & 7-9 pm on Monday, September 6th, 2021, at the Bridgewater Funeral Home, 707 East Main Street, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. The funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, September 7th, 2021, at 10:30 am mass at St. Mary's of Czestochowa in Bound Brook. There will be a private burial.

You may send flowers or donations can be made to Human Life International (https://www.hli.org) or Good Counsel Homes (https://www.goodcounselhomes.org/).