Obituary of John T. Strawbridge

Mr. John T. Strawbridge, 87, of 11104 E. Troy Rd., Titusville died at 2:40 AM on Wednesday, October 05, 2011, at the Titusville Area Hospital.Mr. Strawbridge was born on October 11, 1923 in Titusville, a son of the late Louis and Laura Joy Strawbridge. He married Florence Crowther on September 25, 1947 at St. Titus Rectory. John and Florence were proud to have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2007. Mrs. Strawbridge preceded him in death on April 16, 2008. John attended St. Titus Grade School and was a graduate of Titusville High School, class of 1941. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the US Army. He entered the service on March 2, 1943 and served at Luzon and Japan with A Battery 61st FA Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 22, 1946 with the rank of staff sergeant. John had worked for Kenneth Ingraham Builder in Titusville following his discharge from the service. In May of 1950 he started to work for O’Shea Construction and in 1966 he and his wife became co-owners of the business. John and Florence also founded Strawbridge Pools in 1968. John was also a member of the Carpenters Union for over 60 years. He was a member of St. Titus Church and former member of the Parish Council. He was a current board member at St. Catharines Cemetery; a member of the Bruce Shorts Post 5958 VFW; member of Cleo J. Ross Post 368 American Legion; a member of the Knights of Columbus; was an Occupational Advisory Committee member of Building Construction Technology at Venango Technical Center; was Troy Township supervisor for 42 years, and Troy Township secretary/treasurer for 50 years. John enjoyed spending time with his wife and family. He had enjoyed traveling to Ireland with Florence on numerous occasions to visit relatives. Mr. Strawbridge is survived by his five children, John T. Strawbridge and wife Mary Ann of Millersville, MD, Daniel E. Strawbridge and wife Mary Kate of Centreville, VA, Gregory B. Strawbridge and wife Sharon of Titusville, Paul B. Strawbridge and wife Karen of Pleasantville, Joy S. Strain and husband Doug of Titusville; 17 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; a brother, Louis Strawbridge of Titusville; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, William and Joseph Strawbridge. Friends may call at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home 303 N. Washington St. Titusville on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM. A vigil service will be recited on Friday at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:00 AM at St. Titus Church with Fr. Walter E. Packard, pastor of the Titusville catholic community, as celebrant. Interment will be in St. Catharines Cemetery with full military rites. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Titus Church. FLOWERS