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John Stritch Obituary
May 28, 1925 - June 12, 2014 John passed away peacefully at home with his wife and daughter at his side. "Knowing John Stritch was the experience of a lifetime. Being in his fascinating presence was always like being at a party. His sum was so much greater than the parts. Many people know that he was a "seven day wonder" and became a physician under the auspices of the U.S. Government Armed Forces during WWII, but he was really too compassionate to remain a doctor. John's creative inner soul broke through when his wife Jeanne presented him with a paint set while he was Esso's physician on Aruba. That was a new beginning. He literally circumnavigated the globe observing the work of artists from every culture. His signature work was related to that of David Smith and Richard Stankiewitz making something out of nothing junk! John Stritch's vision, however, was unique and humorous. A highly opinionated, very moral and extremely well read personality John could communicate intelligently on just about every subject. He spoke with conviction and large gestures and a booming voice that could not be ignored. His prolific sculpture and prints resonated with his enthusiasm. This world will be a lesser place without him." - Winifred Bell - A remembrance for John will be announced at a later date.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Stritch
Steve Brown
September 3, 2014
Hilary, was thinking of you and did some searching and came across the sad news of your dad's passing. I never met him, but remember vividly the moving trip we made, and visiting your family home and seeing his magnificent work. I hope you are well.
Best,
Steve Brown
Eric Whiting
July 9, 2014
John's visions brought to life in his art and sculpture will not be soon forgotten. I remember driving by his home in Hinsdale so many times, captured by the life he breathed into those hunks of metal. Always wondering if he was at work in the barn on yet another. And then being captivated every year by the new Josh Billings creations. I am proud to have a singed print on my wall. I am sure many are happy to have known him, and although I never met John, I feel I know him that much more by reading the wonderful words here.
Gertrude Caravaty
July 3, 2014
Dear Jeanne and Hilary,
I was shocked to hear about John. I have thought about him SO many times over the years. Ray and I truly had some of the most amazing experiences with you and John. Each of my kids have a piece of Stritch.... The incredible professor sculpture he gave to Ray, was undoubtly a true reflection of their friendship. I think back at all the good times, good wine and great friends.
Love,
Gertie.... a.k.a.Gertrude
Bob Melle
June 21, 2014
Dear Jeanne and Hilary, John was a man of wonderful spirit. My deepest sympathy.
Brad Goodman
June 20, 2014
John was my art teacher back nearly 30 years ago! Wonderful man - never far from our thoughts and will be greatly missed!
Marie Miller
June 20, 2014
In being mortal, only one thing is certain - your body has a shelf date. No matter how hard we, and science, try to preserve it, we all expire. One can only hope to leave something behind, a memory, a deed, a piece of art, that will keep us immortal. Stritch has all of it in spades. I came to know him as this entity called "Stritch" several years before I met him, when I was a student at the DeSisto School in Florida. People always spoke so fondly of him, of his humor, his skills, his kindness. It was if he was not real. Then, I moved to the Stockbridge campus. Still no Stritch. But his art was everywhere! After a few sightings at major functions, he came back to teach. Ah yes, Stritch, real, larger than life, just as funny and warm and smart and talented as everyone had said. I ended up taking college Biology with him. And I have told the story many a time - any time someone tells me they are a vegetarian/vegan or are staring to be, I tell them how I used to be vegan for 3 years (hated the whole cruelty to animals thing), until my college Bio prof talked/debated me out of it. His argument was so strong about humans being omnivores, needing meat proteins, blahblahblah, that I started eating meat that night and I never looked back. And to this day I argue it, and "blame" him for my stance. He was always so supportive of me, of my performing, and of all the students. It is true, there will never be another John Stritch. I will miss you Stritch. I love you.
Mike Ward
June 20, 2014
What a full and wonderful life Dr. Stritch had. I'm proud to call him a friend.
Larry Miller
June 19, 2014
Someone I will never forget. Never saw him when he didn't smile. My condolences to the family.
candace bunnell
June 18, 2014
I am truly sorry for your of your father & husband. John was a great man, I am grateful to know him. I remember all the times going to your place when my father worked on your place. Sitting in the kitchen on the barber chair then looking up to see the giant horseshoe, n I went wow that was cool. My thoughts & prayers to your family.
Margaret Peeples
June 17, 2014
Jeanne and Hilary,
I was so sorry to read of Dr. Stritch's passing. I have such fond memories of babysitting Hilary when you lived on Creamery Rd in Hinsdale. I had the opportunity to visit with Dr. Stritch a couple times over the past year or 2. He was always such a joy to chat with! Jeanne, you and Dr Stritch gave me a book - "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" back in October 1972. I still have it and treasure it!
I am so sorry for your loss.
Margaret "Peg" Peeples
marnie martin
June 17, 2014
so many memories ... I treasure the pieces of john's art that I have. being married in your home was a highlight of my life. sending love from herb fischer and myself.
Cindy Bell-Deane
June 16, 2014
Thinking of all of you at this time. John was a bigger then life person who always was cheerful and happy to see me. Jeanne and Hillary know that you and yours are in my thoughts. I will always remember, Hinsdale, your first home down the hill, Shady Villa and also back yard BBQ's at our home.
Loving thoughts,
Cindy Bell-Deane
Victor Fischbarg
June 16, 2014
Getting to meet John Stritch and see his work and studio vividly remains a watershed treat for this young camper at Taconic. We were positively giddy! First of all, I didn't know anyone who had an artist as a father; I didn't even know that could exist. So I had to tell my mother about that one first. The visit remains my introduction to sculpture as whimsy, and helped instill the idea of art connecting others with joy and humor. Forget a New Yorker even having a lawn, as I remember telling my mother, "We met a real-live artist with a lawn and he even puts his art outside and no one steals it! Isn't that the craziest thing you ever heard?" The day expanded our notion of what art even was, and it was so freeing, we didn't care if we got it or not. Sometimes it is our very presence that inspires others, in ways we are not always aware of, sometimes even decades later...
Annalee Langham
June 16, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear of your father's passing, Hilary. I saw it on the DeSisto Facebook page. He was a major influence for all the students there. What a wonderful legacy he leaves with his amazing art. He was so special. My thoughts are with you and your mother. I lost my father last July. Take care.
Jim & Heidi Nejaime
June 16, 2014
Dear Jeanne & Hilary,
So very sorry to learn of John's passing. His warmth, intellect, wit, passion and talent were a gift for us to enjoy when he visited our shop. We wish all your family condolences and our warm best wishes. We will toast John often.
Allen Freshler
June 16, 2014
Dear Jeannie and Hilary;
Surely a sad time for you but the textured experience and uncharted life he led must have provided many rewards for the family.
Having lived in Hinsdale, along my brothers David, Jr and father Harry, we had many occasions to cross paths. He had a spirit like few others, always a wide smile and good word. My brother David taught him to weld metal and broken hearts. This opened up many recycling opportunities for John and life long friendships. The town was richer by far for having John and yourself living at the old Shady Villa. I still have and cherish a "Found" farm piece he gave to my parents on their 50th anniversary.
Often we don't know what is lost until it's lost. Thanks for the memories and journey.
Kathy Provencher Packard
June 15, 2014
Hello Jeanne and Hillary, I know you probably don't remember me; I used to help with the house, at your parties, and babysit for Hillary. I was 16. Dr. Stritch as I always called him was a kind and gentle man and I loved being a part of your lives. I remember when he was considering buying the house on the hill and he asked me to go with the three of you to "check it out". I had my doubts as to how it would turn out, but it is a treasure and I'm grateful that you all were able to restore such a historic home. May God Bless you all through this time. I would love to hear from you sometime. You would be surprised what I do for a living now...some of it spawned from some of the lessons I learned working for you. <3
Eric Biss
June 15, 2014
I was a young claim adjuster in the 1970's and visited his home. The beautiful confusion was explained to me very succinctly...anything good goes with anything good. I've never forgotten that pearl of wisdom. Godspeed Mr. Stritch.
Beatrice Hitchcock/Clough
June 15, 2014
Hi Jeanne and Hillary, So sorry to hear of Johns passing. I remember him well when I used to clean your home. Beatrice
Patricia Vincent
June 15, 2014
To John's family,
I had the privilege of working with John at DeSisto School for a couple of years, and it was an amazing and enlightening experience. He was a delightful man. When I was leaving DeSisto, he made an etching for me, which I still have hanging in my home and will always treasure. He signed it, "To a very special Patricia." John, rest in peace after a life very well lived. You will indeed be missed. And to John's family, my heart goes out at this sad and difficult time.
Mark Bruno
June 15, 2014
Jeanne, Hilary, family, and friends,
I've had the pleasure of knowing John by way of his sister Helen's family, for 45 years.
He was a unique individual in the best sense of the word. I always enjoyed his booming presence, and laugh.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
ann rennie
June 15, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. It was my great pleasure to sit in many faculty meetings with him at DeSisto school.His words of wisdom were always appreciated he will be missed by many. I consider it a great gift to have known him.
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