Mr. Roy James Knoth, a beloved and devoted family man, cherished friend to many, man of God, and very successful metallurgical pioneer and executive leader, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, at the age of 88, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, hard work, and fun.
Born on Nov. 28, 1937, in West View, Pittsburgh, Pa., Roy was the youngest of four children born to Theodore and Matilda Knoth. Growing up alongside his siblings, Marian, Robert, and Ruth, Roy was known from a young age for his sharp mind, quick wit, and easygoing nature. He graduated from North Catholic High School in 1956 before pursuing his passion for academics at St. Vincent University, Latrobe, Pa., where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics in 1959.
Roy’s brilliant mind and eagerness to continue learning led him to Carnegie Tech University in Pittsburgh, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in metallurgical engineering in 1960, followed by his master’s degree in the same discipline in 1961.
It was during this pivotal season of his life that he married the love of his life, Sheila Mary Reilly, of Allenhurst, N.J. They were married on Aug. 20, 1960, and enjoyed their honeymoon in Bermuda. Together, Roy and Sheila embarked on an incredible 66-year journey of marriage. They built a warm, loving family, relocated 17 times, and shared numerous travel adventures around the world.
Roy began his distinguished career in 1961 as a research and development engineer for The International Nickel Company (INCO) at its corporate headquarters at 67 Wall St. in New York City and its Paul D. Merica Research Laboratory in Suffern, N.Y.
An innovative engineer, Roy holds several U.S. patents — including his groundbreaking work developing high-strength stainless steels and cast iron — which established him as a leading voice in the metallurgical industry. During this time on the East Coast, Roy and Sheila brought their three children into the world and made their home in multiple locations in New Jersey and New York.
In 1969, Roy and his family relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area, as Roy was recruited by Airco Vacuum Metals in Berkeley, Calif. During the next three years, he spearheaded the technical development and commercialization of E-Brite 26-1, an ultra-pure, corrosion-resistant stainless steel that revolutionized materials used in high-purity and chemical processing industries.
In 1973, Roy’s career took him and his family to Pittsburgh, where he joined the Industrial Gas Division of Airco. Roy’s leadership skills and strong business acumen led to significant career advancements and more family relocations from the East Coast to the West Coast.
He completed his career with Airco/BOC as president of the Pacific Division in California. Roy enjoyed four years of retirement before returning to the business world as vice president of Matheson Semi-Gas in California, with responsibilities throughout Asia. Roy eventually completed his corporate tenure at Matheson before spending over a decade as an internationally respected independent industry consultant. Roy retired in 2008 to spend time with Sheila and his family, and they traveled and experienced many countries around the world.
Despite his significant professional achievements, Roy’s greatest pride and joy was always his family. He was a deeply devoted husband to Sheila and a father to their three children. He had a very strong presence in the lives of his children — he coached their sports teams, cheered them on at their swim meets, participated actively in scouts, organized many cherished family skiing trips to Lake Tahoe, and led memorable family vacations around the United States and numerous countries around the world. Every five years, Roy and Sheila planned an exciting vacation for the entire family where family, love, and adventure were celebrated.
Roy’s faith was the foundation of his service to others. He was an active member of his church’s men’s group and spent many years serving the poor and delivering food to families in need throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. In Cape Charles, he joined the Knights of Columbus (Council 14263).
In his retirement, Roy embraced life to the fullest. He and Sheila loved traveling the globe, particularly on ocean and river cruises and extended visits to many countries. Closer to home, they loved spending time in San Francisco and exploring the Napa Valley wineries and countryside with their wine group.
Roy was an avid follower of the stock market, business trends, and company portfolios. He always stayed true to his Pittsburgh roots and was a lifelong, die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Above all, Roy was a conversationalist at heart — smart, funny, and engaging. He had an extraordinary gift for connecting with people and got so much joy from entertaining children with his magic tricks and funny stories. Everyone simply loved spending time with him.
In 2024, Roy and Sheila completed their final relocation together to Cape Charles, where they could spend more time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. Roy loved being close to the beach and bay, as well as the charming, simple, and tranquil life in Cape Charles. His favorite place to relax was in a rocking chair on the front porch of their home, watching people on their way to the beach.
Roy is survived by his beloved wife, Sheila; his three children, Michael (Paula), Suzanne (MJ), and Kimberly (Jerry); his nine cherished grandchildren, Sarah (Jeff), Jake (Kristin), Emily (Gabriel), Tommy, Sam, Teddy, Ellie, Sophie, and Matilda; his great-grandchild (Ruby); and a community of friends and colleagues whose lives were enriched by his warmth, intellect, and generous spirit.
Roy was predeceased by his parents and siblings.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, Aug. 21, at 11 a.m., at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, located at 549 Randolph Ave., Cape Charles, VA 23310, with Father Michael Imperial officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Roy’s favorite charitable organizations: Saint Vincent College, Office of Philanthropy, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650, https://www.stvincent.edu/give-to-svc/index.html or Saint Charles Church, c/o Parish Office, 550 Tazewell Ave., Cape Charles, VA 23310, https://stcharlesbcc.org/
Arrangements were made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore.
