Obituary of Lester B. Strawbridge
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Lester B. Strawbridge, Sr. of Titusville on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 while surrounded by the love of his family.
Lester was born on July 5, 1923 in Philadelphia, PA, a son of the late George and Georgia Proper Strawbridge.
He was a veteran having served with the US Marines.
Lester had worked as a city policeman until later becoming a fireman and assistant fire chief. He served with the fire department until his retirement in 1986.
Lester had also worked for the former E.A. Peterson Funeral Home and the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home.
He will always be remembered for his love of tinkering and fixing things. His special pride and joy was the “Boughton Buggy” which he proudly drove in local parades as he portrayed “Coal Oil Johnny”. His love of helping family and friends was the drive that kept Lester going every day. He was envied for the love and friendship that he was known for.
He most recently resided at Titusville Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center where he enjoyed the many amazing people that he considered as his second family.
Lester is survived by his wife Eleanor Lucas Strawbridge of 75 years; his daughters, Paulette “Polly” Studnicki of Titusville and Kathy Borges and husband Dave of Clymer, NY; sons, Lester B. “Sonny” Strawbridge, Jr. and wife Lori of Prospect, and Dennis Strawbridge of Titusville; and a much loved and admired grandpa to Pam, Amy, David, Matt, and Suzanne; proud grandpa to his great grandchildren; sisters, Janet Crawford of Titusville and Carol McFadden of Plumer; and a brother, George Strawbridge of Honduras.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a twin brother, Lewis Strawbridge and a brother Kenneth Strawbridge; a foster brother, Marvin Franke; and sisters, Lanetta and Ada Maze.
His family would like to thank “the angels on earth” at Titusville Healthcare and Rehab for their care, compassion and support. They were considered an extended family to Lester and his family.
Friends may call at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home 303 N. Washington St. Titusville today (Thursday) from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Titus Church with Fr. Walter E. Packard as celebrant.
Interment will be in St. Catharines Cemetery with full military rites.
The family asks that memorials be made to Titusville Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center 81 Dillon Dr. Titusville, PA 16354.
If you wish to leave a condolence for the family, visit garrettfuneralhomeinc.com
For all the love Dad gave, spread it around.
