Anthony F. "Tony" Knott of Hermitage passed away at 10:31 p.m. Monday, January 9, 2017, in Nugent Convalescent Home, Hermitage, after an extended illness.  He was 83.

Mr. Knott was born January 10, 1933, in Farrell, a son of Alfonso and Theresa (Alcaro) Knott.

He was a 1951 graduate of Farrell High School and received his bachelor's degree in education from Youngstown State University in 1956.

Tony was a standout basketball player in high school and was a four year starter for the YSU basketball team where he was a NAIA 1 ^st Team All-American and the recipient of the YSU Academic Community Service Award.  He had 2,218 career points while playing for the Penguins and was the school's all time leading scorer until the three point line.  He once scored 50 points in a game against Cleveland State.

Tony was inducted into the Farrell High School, Youngstown State University and Mercer County Hall of Fame's for his basketball accomplishments.

He also played softball for many years in the former Shenango Valley Church league where he was a pitcher and third baseman for St. Joseph 1.

Tony began his career teaching at Leetonia (Ohio) Junior High School and also served as their head basketball coach.  He then taught at Sharon Junior High School for eight years while also working part time at the former Girl's Buhl Club.

He was the Recreational Coordinator for the Buhl Trustees and was responsible for the programming at the Buhl Memorial Community Center, Girls Buhl Club, Boys Buhl Club and Buhl Farm Park.

Tony was appointed Executive Director of the F.H. Buhl Club in 1967 and during his tenure the Buhl Club's facility, programs and memberships expanded enormously.

He retired in 1997 after 30 years of exceptional service.

Tony was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Sharon where he served as a Deacon.  He was a past board member of the First Presbyterian Day Care Center, MCAR, Sharon University Club and Kiwanis Club of Sharon.

A lifelong Democrat, Tony served as a Committeeman for Jackson Township and Hermitage and was very proud to be the campaign chair for his step-son, State Representative Mark Longietti.

Surviving is his wife, the former Pearl Clarke Longietti, whom he married July 3, 1987; three daughters, Leann (Knott) Lear, Sharon; Gerri (Knott) Dickman, Reading, PA; and Debra (Knott) Mirage and her husband Jody, Hermitage; two sons, Paul Knott and his wife Kristen, Hermitage; and John Knott, Augusta, GA; two stepsons, Fred Longietti and his wife Terri, Charlotte, NC; and Mark Longietti and his wife Tina, Hermitage; 7 grandchildren, Rachel and Ryan Knott; James Smith, Jill Reich, Julie Dickman and Sam and Cara Longietti; four great-grandchildren, Jimmy, Jayla, Lily and Giani; a sister, Delfina Horning and her husband John, Pensacola, FL; and a brother, Charles Knott and his wife Lynne, Hermitage.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents; a nephew, Chuck Knott; and his former wife, Paula DeBrakeleer.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Church, 301 W. State St., Sharon, PA 16146; or to the Buhl Community Recreation Center 28 Pine St., Sharon, PA 16146.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 13, 2017 , in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon and one hour prior to the service on Saturday, January 14, 2017 , in the First Baptist Church, Sharon.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday , in the church, with Rev. John Trojak, pastor, officiating.