The world lost an absolute legend on Friday, May 17th, when Charles Norman Knott, Sr. (affectionately known as Big Chuck) moved on to the next plane of existence from the comfort of his Wilmington, DE home, a place of gatherings and celebrations, where everyone he loved could always come to talk music, baseball, history, and to some’s chagrin, politics. He and his wife of 41 years, Deborah “Debbie” built a home together that fostered love and acceptance to all, with a standing open door policy that was extended to everyone they knew.

Growing up in the rough and tumble streets of Claymont, he built a strong community of friends over the years. At a young age, he took up playing guitar and singing. This became a lifelong passion of his, playing in various bands over the years, including sharing many stages with his sons and other musicians he revered.

He graduated from Claymont High School and, among other endeavors, was a damn fine guitar teacher and spread the language of music to anyone who shared his passion for it.

He was preceded in death by his father, Norman “Buzz”, sister, Linda, and each dog that he loved and cared for over the years, including his absolute best bud, Kormac, who was the tennis ball chasing black lab that was his sidekick in Chuck’s final years.

He is survived by his mother, Virginia, his wife, Deborah, as well as a wide net of a loving family and countless heartwarming (and often hilarious) stories.

He took great pride in coaching his three boys, Chuck Jr, Justin, and Tyler, at baseball in their formative years, but when it became apparent they weren’t destined to make it to the Phillies, he unfailingly supported them in any path they chose to pursue.

An avid music aficionado, he shared genuine experiences with the people he cared about at countless concerts over the years, where he would happily drive however many miles to see his favorites. Topping that extensive list, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and The Grateful Dead provided the soundtrack to his freewheelin’ life. Not generally a stickler, his passion for music was highlighted by his record collection, which was only allowed to be handled by a select few trusted consiglieres.

His final years were filled with family, love, and many hours spent hanging out with his granddaughter Harper. Chuck was never one to shy away from an adventure, and his family knows he has set off on his greatest adventure yet.

A viewing will be held at the Gebhart Funeral Home, 3401 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE, on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm, where a funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm.  Burial will be private.  Respects shall be paid, tears shall be shed. It would mean a lot if you’re able to make it to this proper sendoff, but a legend such as this warrants two throwdowns, so an additional celebration of life will be held at a later date, with more details to come.

To offer condolences, please visit:

Gebhartfuneralhomes.com

302-798-7726