Joyce Carol McKnight

Joyce Carol McKnight, 83, wife of David McKnight, of Bristol, CT, passed away on January 14, 2026 at Apple Rehab in Avon, CT after a brief illness related to her lengthy struggles with Alzheimer’s.

Joyce was born December 14, 1942 in New Britain to the late CT State Senator Paul S. Amenta and Marion (Whitney) Amenta.

She graduated from New Britain High in 1960 and worked in the Graduate School Department at CCSU before raising a family.

In 1979, Joyce went to work at The Travelers, where she was employed as an Assistant Manager in The Special Liability Unit until her retirement in 2002. Joyce and husband David McKnight met at The Travelers and were married in 1988.

Joyce was an accomplished artist who loved creating crafts, Christmas ornaments, and decorations. She loved to sew and was relied on by family members to repair various damaged garments. She made the wedding dress for her 1988 wedding.

Joyce loved going to the family beach house in Westbrook with family and friends, particularly with “The Beachbums”, a group of women who worked at Travelers together and would have a “Girl’s Weekend” at the beach every 6 months for several years.

Joyce enjoyed sailing with David and family in their 27 Foot Catalina Sailboat, going to The Preakness and The Belmont with David every year for over 30 years, spending a weekend in the fall at Lake George, and going to Chautauqua Institution for a week every August.

However, her number one love and priority was for her children and grandchildren. Her happiest moments were when she was with, or doing something for, her family. She loved going to the kids’ dance recitals, softball and soccer games, school events, or just being together at the beach.

In addition to her husband David, Joyce is survived by sons, Timothy White and his partner Rick Streb of Westbrook, Jonathan White and his wife Trisha of Madison; daughter, Jennifer Peterson of Westbrook, and step-daughter, Anna McKnight and her husband Chris of Oakland, CA.

Her four grandchildren were the light of her life: Hailey Peterson (17), daughter of Jennifer Peterson and Noah (15) Grace (14) and Emma (10) White, the children of son Jon White and wife Trisha.

Joyce was predeceased by her sister, Patricia Nigro, and sister, Sharron Blancato. She is survived by her sisters, Pamela Gervais and Cindy Panela and by her brother, Paul Amenta, Jr., along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude and appreciation to the staff, nurses, and administration at Riverbend at Farmington for their wonderful and loving care of Joyce over the last three years.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 11 AM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 S. Main St., New Britain. Burial will take place at the convenience of the family. Calling hours are Wednesday from 4 PM to 7 PM and Thursday from 10 AM until the time of the service.