Former Facilities Director Joe Knoll Was ‘True Emersonian’ 

The Emerson community is remembering Joe Knoll, most recently Emerson’s Director of Facilities, as a dedicated employee, a caring friend, and a favorite among faculty, staff, and students alike. 

Knoll died Monday, March 17, at his home after a long battle with cancer. He was 64.

Joe started his Emerson career three decades ago, as a carpenter on the College’s Back Bay campus. He was instrumental in bringing the Little and Walker buildings online as the college migrated across Boston Common to its current site in the 1990s. Over the years, he worked his way up through the Facilities ranks, ultimately becoming a shift foreman before assuming the role of Assistant Director of Facilities.

He was promoted to Director of Facilities eight years ago, and even after he became ill, he wanted to continue working at Emerson, said Duncan Pollock, recently retired Associate Vice President of Facilities and Campus Services, who had worked with Joe for 13 years. Joe was “one of the most dedicated employees I have ever worked with,” Pollock said. 

Pollock also shared that Joe was a proud father who was always eager to talk about his sons, James and Josh.

According to Joe’s colleagues in Facilities, many will remember his morning meetings in the “treehouse,” the name given by the team to Joe’s office located in a back stairway between the Little and Colonial buildings.

“Joe made sure the college was always in a good place. [He was] respected by everyone – really, loved by everyone – and his team really enjoyed working for him,” Pollock said. 

It wasn’t only the staff and faculty who recognized Joe’s dedication and warmth. In 2024, Joe received an ERA (Emerson Recognition Award) Award of Distinction, given by students to staff and faculty who have gone above and beyond for the community. 

“[The students] said such nice things … that he was the most reliable, caring [person], always there when they needed him,” said his friend and colleague, Vice President for Government and Community Relations Margaret “Peggy” Ings. 

He was always ready to help a friend and colleague out, Ings said. Earlier this winter, against her objections, he put up a crane on campus at 2:00 am. 

“I think he’s probably the truest Emersonian,” she said. 

President Jay Bernhardt said during his time working with Joe, he always valued their conversations and considered him Emerson’s “go-to” person for all things facilities.

“He had a tremendous impact on our college, our facilities, and especially our people, and he will be profoundly missed by all who knew him,” he said. 

In addition to his sons, he leaves his wife, Marilyn, as well as two brothers and a sister and their families, nieces and nephews, and his cherished dogs. 

Visiting hours will be held Monday, March 24, 8:30-10:30 am, at Cartwright Funeral Home – Holbrook, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. Clare Church in Braintree. A celebration of life will be held at 12:00 pm at Lucky’s 777 Bar & Grill in Holbrook.