GUILDERLAND — Joseph “Big Joe” Timothy Knightes Sr., who loved sports and was dedicated to his family, died on Friday, Dec. 4, 2015. He was 55.

Mr. Knightes was born on Nov. 30, 1960, in Schenectady, son of Donald and Laura Knightes.

He graduated from Guilderland High School.

Mr. Knightes worked at National Grid for 32 years.

“He will be remembered as a great fan of horse racing and the Saratoga Race Track, and his love of the New York Jets, Giants, and Yankees,” wrote his family in a tribute. “His greatest joy was spending time with his granddaughter Madisyn.”

Mr. Knightes is survived by his daughter, Audrey Knightes; his granddaughter, Madisyn Knightes Kowalchyk; his siblings, Bonnie Baldauf, Diane Knightes, Andrew Knightes, and Donald Knightes Jr.; and his nieces and nephews, Shaun and Justin Baldauf, Andrew Knightes Jr., and Michelle and Morgan Knightes.

His son, Joseph T. Knightes Jr., died before him.

Arrangements are private and by the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home in Guilderland.