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William Strouse Obituary
William George Strouse died on October 7, 2017 after a gracious and faith-filled journey with colon cancer.
Will was born on December 24, 1981 in Burlington, VT to James T. and Margaret Mary Strouse. He was the youngest of six children, all of whom doted on him from the very beginning. Will graduated from Burlington High School in 2000 and the Catholic University of America, in Washington DC, in 2005 with a degree in Civil Engineering.
While in DC, Will met the love of his life, Brittany Marie Isabelle. Will and Brittany married on August 6, 2016 in Newport, Vermont.
Will loved life and one of his biggest joys was the gatherings he and Brittany would have for family and friends. One of Will's most recent joys was the restoration of his and Brittany's home, a 200-year-old Vermont farmhouse.
Will continually served to remind us all of our blessings in life, particularly one of life's greatest gifts—friendship. He enriched many lives through his contagious energy, humor, generosity, faith, and sportsmanship (he was an avid hockey player).
Will is survived by his loving wife, Brittany Marie Isabelle Strouse; his parents James T. and Margaret Mary Strouse; his brothers and sisters and their families, James and Gabriella Strouse (Theresa, James), Margaret Strouse (Madeline, Sophia, Mariela), Sarah and Daniel Curry (Amelia, Elizabeth), Joseph and Stacy Strouse (Mary, Irene), and Elizabeth and Bryan Connolly (Lillian, William, Jack, Caroline); his parents-in-law Constance and Richard Isabelle; his sisters-in-law Kristin Isabelle Messina, and her husband Nicholas, and Lauren Isabelle; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Will was pre-deceased by his grandparents as well as his infant brother, John Robert Strouse.
The Strouse and Isabelle families have enormous gratitude for the love and kindness of family, friends, and community members who came together to support them throughout Will's treatment.
Visiting hours will be Wednesday, October 11, at the Ready Funeral Home South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Rd. Burlington from 6-9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mark Church in Burlington, VT on Thursday, October 12, at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Colon Cancer Alliance in Will's honor (https://fundraise.ccalliance.org/blue-star-tributes/strouse) or attending a church service and keeping Will in your prayers.
To send online condolences to his family please visit www.readyfuneral.com.
Visit burlingtonfreepress.com/obituaries to Express condolences and sign the guest book.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Strouse
Sponsored by Ready Funeral Service, Inc. - South Chapel.
Mark Esbjerg
October 21, 2017
To the Strouse Family,
I'm so sorry for the tragic loss of "Little Will". What a delight it was for my kids to grow up with the Strouse kids on Killarney Drive. My boys looked up to Will and enjoyed street and ice hockey and a great upbringing in Burlington and adventures with Will.
Our hearts are breaking with yours, and we send our love. God bless you all.
Mark Esbjerg
October 21, 2017
Tooo
Mark Esbjerg
October 21, 2017
To the Strouse Family,
I'm so sorry for the tragic loss of "Little Will". What a delight it was to have my kids grow up next to the Strouse Family on Killarney Drive, and to see my boys look up to Will, play street and ice hockey and enjoy a great upbringing in Burlington.
Will will never be forgotten and we send our best to you. Our hearts break with yours.
The Esbjerg Family
Laurie Sargent
October 15, 2017
Rest in peace WillFly high with the AngelsLaurie
October 13, 2017
We were deeply saddened this evening to learn of William's passing. We have fond memories of Vermont and of the Strouse family in particular.
While we have been apart for over a decade, the Burlington the International Games will forever be a part of our shared history.
We remember William as an active, happy child, and a member of a wonderful and loving family.
Sharon and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to Jim, Mary and all the members of the Strouse family.
Jim and Sharon Matz
Burlington, Ontario
Canada
October 13, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss, Brittany. I will keep you in my prayers. Sometimes life is too hard.
Your great aunt
Jackie Isabelle
Thanks for the support when I needed it most Will!!
Earl Furfine
October 13, 2017
Will will be missed tremendously by his coworkers at Cardinal Technologies, Inc. He was an integral part of our team and always a favorite for our social adventures.
-Earl M. Furfine
Carol Blattspieler
October 13, 2017
To the Strouse Family and friends,
I am so sorry for your loss. You have been in my prayers. God Bless. Please take care of yourselves. With love, Carol Blattspieler and family
October 12, 2017
October 12, 2017
Jim Mills
October 12, 2017
To the Strouse family,
My deepest condolences.
Will always seemed to enjoy every day, and get the most out of life. He also had a great smile, that made you think, he knew something we all didn't. :)
I hope the happy memories of him, will help get you through this tough time.
Sofia Andersen Harrington
October 12, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. Theresa is a very close friend of mine. I have heard so many stories about William. I am thinking of all of you through this hard time.
Leanne and Mike Desjardins
October 12, 2017
Dear Brittany, Connie, Rick and the Strouse family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our deepest condolences.
The Desjardins Family
October 11, 2017
My sympathies and prayers to the family.
Tom Degnan & Family
Melbourne, Australia
Will, Helen, and Monica- February 2010
Helen Doughty
October 11, 2017
It was a pleasure being a friend of Will's since 2008. He was one of the friendliest, funniest, and most generous guys around. Although we were not in as close of touch in recent years, he was always thoughtful to send congratulatory and happy birthday messages for life's milestones. I'll always think of him when I see a Caps or Patriots game, or enjoy a slice of homemade pizza. He joined some girl friends and me for my first time snowboarding, and he was only encouraging and complimentary as I surfed (and slid) my way down the snowy hill. He let me throw a big NYE party at his place in 2009 turning 2010, and it was one of the most fun celebrations. This world was a better place because Will Strouse was in it. Thinking of his wife, family, and friends, and remembering happier times.
1998 BHS Hockey State Champions
Eric and Meredith McMahon
October 11, 2017
To the Strouse Family,
We wish you all added strength during this difficult time. There are so many great memories of Will from our days at at BHS... Playing hockey, being in the band, and singing in chorus... I can't think of a time Will didn't bring out the fun or a positive in a situation. What a great quality, and a great guy! We wish we could be there today, but will keep Will, Brittany, and all of your family in our thoughts.
Jamie
October 11, 2017
I've only known Will for a short time, but I'll always remember a burley bearded jolly guy with a huge smile on his face and one arm wrapped around his beautiful and amazing wife, Brittany. He was warm and super fun to be around. He will be missed dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with your families xoxo
Rachel Hoeft
October 11, 2017
Will taught me a very important life lesson in our 20's living in DC Always have champagne at home because you never know when you are going to be celebrating. This tip never left me, and nor will my memories of Will. I will always treasure his booming laugh, his awesome sense of humor and his ability to bring friends and family together.
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Will was so loved and will be truly missed.
Abby Harwood and Sarah Manning
October 11, 2017
Our hearts break for you. You were such a stong beacon of light for your family and friends. We will always remember your amazing smile. Although we cannot be present in Vermont to celebrate your life, we will be thinking if you and sending our warmest thoughts to your family. Xx
Charles Kriston
October 10, 2017
Charles Kriston
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Charles Kriston
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Charles Kriston
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Charles Kriston
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Charles Kriston
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Charles Kriston
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Charles Kriston
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Charles Kriston
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Charles Kriston
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Charles Kriston
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Charles Kriston
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Charles Kriston
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Charles Kriston
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Charles Kriston
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Charles Kriston
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Charles Kriston
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Charles Kriston
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Charles Kriston
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Charles Kriston
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Charles Kriston
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Charles Kriston
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Charles Kriston
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Charles Kriston
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Charles Kriston
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Charles Kriston
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Nancy Condit
October 10, 2017
There are no adequate words.....sending much love to you all.
Melissa Dorso
October 10, 2017
I only knew Will for a few years in high school, but I remember him being so fun loving and full of life, and a good singer too! His passing so young is shocking. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, hope you can find peace and love in your memories of him.
Brent Truchon
October 10, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear of Will's passing. I have many fond memories of Will skating for BHS.
October 10, 2017
So sorry to hear of Will's passing.. I have many fond memories of Will skating for the Seahorses.
Katie Lambert
October 10, 2017
To the Strouse family,
I'm so very sorry for your loss. I'm thinking of all of you.
Jon and Beth Beaulieu
October 10, 2017
So very sorry for your loss to the Strouse and extended family,God Bless..
October 10, 2017
To Brittany and family - I send my deepest sympathy and prayers to you at this difficult time. Will was an inspiration and true friend to my son, Mike Manzo.
Roseanne Withycombe
Liz Schreiner MacNeal
October 10, 2017
To your loved ones, I offer my deepest condolences. A memory of Will came to me today. It was a fall day in 2004 when he was missing home. We went on a quest for nature and ended up at a goose sanctuary. A huge open field, the birds swooping - it was beautiful. We sat talking about home, family, and traditions. I cherish your friendship, Will.
Rachel Spurrier
October 10, 2017
I am really sorry and my condolences to the family. I went to school with Will (middle & high school) and then also lived in DC for 2 years post college when he was there. He was incredibly smart and talented in a lot of ways. I remember when he surprised a lot of people by joining the Drama club and our senior year he played the lead in the musical. He seemed to do so many things and make it look easy. Will always had a knack of making you laugh, even if it was about a really stupid thing. That was the Will I knew and will always remember.
Chris DeMartino
October 10, 2017
I have many memories of Will while playing hockey at CUA (usually him busting my chops for messing up a drill in practice or not clearing our zone fast enough during games - haha). However, I think my favorite memory is of a certain round of golf we played about 10 years ago. My friend and I decided to play a round at some course in Rock Creek Park. As we were walking through the parking lot, we ran into Will and Muldowney and decided to all play as 4. The course maintenance crew had accidentally put down some sort of weed preventer that killed all the grass on the greens, rendering them unplayable. We were offered a deep discount and decided to play anyway. Because of the awful conditions, we figured we'd make the best of it and preceded to have a few beers, use only one club for all 18 holes, play shirtless (not sure why) and run things over/go offroading with our golf carts. It may seem like a silly memory, but anytime I ran into Will after that, he'd always bring it up and ask, "How's your friend doing? That was the first and last time I've ever seen someone run themselves over with their own golf cart." That is definitely in my top 3 favorite rounds of golf I ever played.
I send my sincerest condolences to Will's wife, family and friends during this awfully tragic time. Rest in peace, man. I'll see you on the ice again someday.
Lynn Schmissrauter
October 10, 2017
My husband and I got to know Will when he attended the wedding of our daughter Shelley to Will's friend Chris Kay. He was fun loving and brought joy to all around him. I know he will be missed. But he will never be forgotten - nor will him imprint on this planet.
Chris Guignon
October 10, 2017
So sorry for your loss. We were highschool classmates and Will was just a really impressive guy.
October 10, 2017
Will was a student of mine and a classmate of my daughter, Bridget McGrath (now Santos). We were both shocked and saddened to see the obituary in the paper today. cannot say how sorry we are - and especiallly to you Mary, my former colleague. We can never figure out what tragedy fate brings, or how we are to cope. It sounds as if there is a lot of faith and love in your family to support you all in your grief. Please know we will pray for you and Will.
Bill McGrath
Brittany Lewis
October 10, 2017
Will's Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I went to BHS with him, he was a grade ahead of me. But I remember him as being such a nice, smart guy. My condolences to his family.
Jack Gocke
October 10, 2017
God takes the best first. I was part of one of his (many) friend groups, ours was in Washington, DC. Will was a bright light, always kind, loving, and upbeat. May we all emulate his energy and love. My heart goes out to Brittany and your whole family. In our hearts, Jack Gocke, Washington
Anne Kieslich
October 10, 2017
Dear Jim, Mary and family,
Words cannot describe our sorrow for your entire family. We have such fond memories of Will on Killarney Dr. Those were the happy days. May you and your families remember all the good times and treasure them. With sympathy and prayers, Allen and Anne Kieslich, Colchester
Andrew D'Agostino
October 10, 2017
Words don't describe how much you have meant to me. My true best friend. I will always treasure the friendship we have had!
I love you bud!
Andrew D'Agostino
October 10, 2017
Andrew D'Agostino
October 10, 2017
Andrew D'Agostino
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Andrew D'Agostino
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Andrew D'Agostino
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Andrew D'Agostino
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Andrew D'Agostino
October 10, 2017
Bruce O'Neill
October 10, 2017
Jim, Mary and Family: I have thought about you often, over the past 14 years that I have been gone from VT and was stunned and saddened when I read of Will's passing.
Darlene and I send our thoughts and prayers that the good Lord will comfort and guide you through these difficult times.
God bless you.
Bruce
Mary Jane and Ed McMahon
October 10, 2017
We remember Will as a very bright light. No matter what the issue, he had the ability to look at it in a positive light. We remember his hockey years when he would say "whatever is best for the team" without regard for what he might have wanted. We really appreciated his friendship with Eric. The world was a better place thanks to Will Strauss! We feel for you all at this time.
Megan Mooney
October 10, 2017
Dear Brittany and the Strouse and Isabelle families,
My sincerest condolences during this difficult time. Will had such a gift for getting everyone together and celebrating life. The world was lucky to have him in it during his short time with us. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Megan Mooney
JT
October 10, 2017
Offering my sincere condolences to the Family, may you find comfort from the encouraging words found at 1 Thessalonians 4:14
Will Kell
October 10, 2017
Will was a great guy and teammate and I'm very sad to hear of his passing. My thoughts go out to the entire family.
My mustached brother from another mother! You will be remembered fondly and missed sorely my friend.
Paul Sabella
October 10, 2017
Sarah Carpenter
October 10, 2017
Sarah, Dan and Family - I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your brother Will. I am sure he will be greatly missed. This must be a difficult time for all. Thinking of you.
Tamara & Eric Paré
October 10, 2017
There are no words to say at this time to convey the ache in our hearts or to ease the pain in yours. The loss of such a bright light in your lives is unfathomable. But knowing he walked with the Lord throughout his life and most especially during this difficult journey, we can say that Will is at peace and is now home with his Saviour. It was a pleasure to have spent a day at Will & Brittany's beautiful home, replanting their flower beds, and sharing in the love that surrounded them & everyone there. A memory I will treasure always. God bless you all. He is always with you, watching over you, and in your hearts forever.
Michael Manzo
October 10, 2017
True friendship is one of the greatest gifts in life and no one represents that more than Will Strouse. I feel the emptiness of Will's loss with all of you, but I know that his spirit will live on long past most of us. I'm so grateful that he came into my life, not just because without that I would have never met my incredible wife, but because without that, I would have never met one the best friends I could ever ask for. I will miss him dearly. My condolences to all who were fortunate enough to call will family or friend.
Christina Dunphy
October 10, 2017
Earle and I send you love and prayers.
kevin Raftery
October 10, 2017
Jim, Mary and family; I am so saddened to hear of Will's passing.
I remember watching Will during BAHA seasons at Leddy. You raised a wonderful young man.
Heaven has a new angel. Our loss.
Sara Bostwick
October 9, 2017
Dear Jim, Mary and Family,
I have been thinking about you all and sending positive thoughts your way throughout this difficult year. I heard often about Will's tremendous strength and the grace he showed at every turn. His life was far too short but it is obvious he lived each day fully and touched numerous souls along the way. This world was blessed to have him and I am deeply sorry for your loss. Sara
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