ALTAMONT — Joseph T. Knightes Jr., a devoted father, died on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015. He was 29.

Mr. Knightes was born on Aug. 19, 1985 and raised in Guilderland and Altamont.

He was an experienced arborist and tree climber, and worked for many years at his grandparents’ business, Knightes Farm Lawn and Garden in Schenectady.

He was an avid outdoorsman, wrote his family in a tribute, and loved hunting with his cousin, Lucas Oliver, of Knox; fishing with his many friends; and devouring trail maps to go on long hikes with his beloved daughter Madisyn.

“Those of us who fiercely loved him will never forget his huge heart and amazing smile,” his family wrote.

Mr. Knightes is survived by his daughter, Madisyn Knightes Kowalchyk, and his parenting-partner, Staci Kowalchyk, both of Altamont; his father, Joseph T. Knightes Sr., of Guilderland; his mother, Kim (née MacDonald) Carlson and his stepfather, Randall Carlson, of Harwinton, Connecticut; and his sister, Audrey Knights, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; his aunts and uncles, Bonnie Baldauf, Diane Knightes, Andrew Knightes, and his wife, Barbara, and Donald Knightes, and his wife, Lisa, all of Guilderland, Karren Williams, and her husband, Dave, of Green Cove Springs, Florida, and Keith MacDonald, and his wife, Gina, of Jacksonville, Florida; and many cousins and friends.

A memorial service was held at the Fredendall Funeral Home and a celebration of his life has been scheduled for Aug. 23, 2015, at the Glen Doone area of Thacher Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Altamont Elementary Parent Teacher Association, 117 Grand St., Altamont, NY 12009.