ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Community leaders, union members and family are mourning the loss of 63-year-old Bobby Knost, longtime business manager of Ironworkers Local 808, family members say he died over the weekend in an airboat accident.
The family said they are still waiting to learn what caused the accident.
His sister, Kimberly Wright, said he was deeply committed to his family, his union and helping those in need.
“He was a great dad. He was a great grandpa. He was a great son and he was an awesome brother.”
Wright said Knost’s impact extended well beyond his family life.
“If he saw somebody that needed something, he would do it. They went to a restaurant one time and some guy outside didn’t have a shirt on, my brother took his shirt off and gave it to him, which is pretty cool.” Wright remembers.
Wright said those acts of kindness were typical of Knost, a Marine veteran, who was known for stepping up whenever someone needed help.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Knost stepped up for his union members who were struggling to access unemployment benefits during a time when many Floridians struggled to navigate the system.
He turned to then-News 6 Investigator Michael Holfeld, who worked with the state to recover their funds.
Holfeld also worked with Knost to highlight the need for new workers as national demand increases.
Just last year, Knost spoke with News 6 again as the union broke ground on the “Three Wiseman Apprentice and Training Facility.”
Holfeld says Bobby Knost was a tremendous leader, and he considered Knost a friend.
An Ironworker since 1984, Knost had been the business manager for the last seven years. During that time, Knost has worked closely with U.S. Rep. Darren Soto and other federal lawmakers on infrastructure initiatives that supported growth across Central Florida.
Those projects include everything from launch infrastructure at Cape Canaveral to theme park attractions, including Universal’s Epic Universe.
When asked what it was like working with Knost, Soto said, “He was a tough guy on the outside, but super kind and nice on the inside. He had a heart for folks who were struggling. He would often talk to me about folks who found a second chance with the ironworkers. A single mom that was struggling to pay rent, or a recent immigrant who finally was able to get a job.”
Soto said he plans to work with Knost’s family in the coming days to document his life and accomplishments for inclusion in the Congressional Record.
“This is a long-term recognition to highlight his legacy for our shared American history,” Soto said.
Knost was well regarded by other unions in Central Florida.
The United Association of Plumbers, Pipefitters & Service Technicians Local 295 posted on Facebook. They said, “May the wings of comfort and peace embrace his family, friends, and members of Ironworkers 808.”