AUBURN — Roger Willis Knight, 92, passed away suddenly at his home at Schooner Estates, Feb. 28.

He was born in Merrimac, Mass., Sept. 24, 1920, Roger was the second child of Mabel Barker and Allen Knight. He grew up during the Depression and worked hard for everything he achieved. He graduated from Newburyport High School in 1938. When Roger was 18 years old his father died and he and Mabel moved to Connecticut.

Roger was a true hero of the Greatest Generation, serving in the U.S. Army, 45th Infantry Division, Thunderbirds, 171st Rocket Field Artillery from October 1942 to September 1945. After training in North Africa, he took part in the invasion of Sicily and fought in strategic battles in Salerno, Anzio and southern France, later joining the 1945 drive into Nazi Germany that ended the war. He sailed home as a guard for a ship of German POWs.

On May 14, 1949, Roger married the love of his life, Virginia Dolliver of Hartford, Conn. They were married for 60 years and resided for most of that time in Simsbury. Amazingly, they shared the same birth date, two years apart.

During his long career, Mr. Knight worked at National Cash Register, Pratt and Whitney Aircraft and Underwriters Insurance Co., from which he retired. Later, he worked at Avis Rent a Car.

He pursued his passion for aircraft as a volunteer at the New England Air Museum, designing and building displays for more than 20 years. Roger also volunteered for the Simsbury Ambulance, the Civitan Club, the Lions Club and the American Legion. He and Ginny were active members of the First Church of Christ in Simsbury for much of their lives. In his spare time, he built furniture, boat models and a wooden canoe.

Roger hiked hundreds of miles of trails in New England. He passed his love of the outdoors to his wife and children, camping and hiking at the seashore and mountains. Roger was a great swimmer and saved two persons from drowning. Roger and Ginny loved to travel and went to Italy, England, Scotland, Alaska, Switzerland and throughout the U.S. He and Ginny were founding members of the “Marching and Chowder Society” hiking club in Simsbury.

He spent his last years in Simsbury at the side of his dear “Ginny” as she journeyed through Alzheimer’s. In April 2012, he moved to Maine to be near his family. His time in Maine was wonderful, marked by exploration of Maine’s mountains, sea and culture. He took classes, attended church and enjoyed being close to his daughter, Ellen and her family. He quickly made friends at Schooner Estates enjoying meals with new friends and participating in every activity offered, as well as suggesting new ones.

Mr. Knight is survived by Ellen and Richard O’Brien of Winthrop; their children, Flann, Madelyn and Torin O’Brien, Philip and Alaina Knight of Bozeman, Mont.; and his beloved cat, Princess.

Roger was predeceased by his son, Christopher in 1976; his mother and father; and his brother, Robert Allen Knight.

“Those were the days my friend, we thought they’d never end

We’d sing and dance forever and a day

We’d live the life we choose, we’d fight and never lose

For we were young and sure to have our way.”

Farewell Roger, May the trail be downhill before you…

Memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com.