John J. Strong Jr.

John J.
Strong, Jr.
ROME
John J. Strong, Jr., 77, of Rome, passed away peacefully at his home, Thursday, November 13, 2014 with his loving wife and children at his bedside. John was born May 25, 1937, in Malone, New York, the youngest child of John J. Strong, Sr. and Mae D. Farquhar Strong. Johns father established Romes first funeral business in 1916. After graduating from Rome Free Academy in 1954, John attended Colgate University where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. Additionally John sang tenor for Colgates prestigious all male a cappella group, The Colgate Thirteen. In 1955 he was united in marriage to Maxine P. Perfetti, also of Rome. John graduated from Simmons School of Mortuary Science and received his funeral directors license in 1958. John then returned to Rome to join his mother in the familys funeral business, becoming owner in 1982. He established a partnership with his dear friend and colleague Patrick L. Burns in 1985, where they carried on the family tradition of providing compassionate service to the public. John served as President and Secretary-Treasurer of the Tri-County Funeral Directors Association. He was also a member of the New York State Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association. John enjoyed serving others and led an active life in the community. He was a member of the First Baptist Church where he served as a trustee, deacon, and moderator. A gifted vocalist, he enjoyed singing with S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A. in Romes Barbershop Choir. He was a member of the Rome Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, receiving the Rome Junior Chamber of Commerces distinguished service award as its Man of the Year in 1964. John was also a long-time member and President of the Jervis Library Board of Trustees, a 32nd Degree Mason of the Roman-Hathaway Lodge, a member of the OnBank & Trust Co. Regional Directors Board, served as President of Kiwanis Club and was an integral part of the development of the Kiwanis RFA Key Club. He belonged to the B.P.O.E. #96 Elks Club, was President of the Rome Club, a member of Teugega Country Club and lastly, the Mohegan Pond Club in Tupper Lake, New York. John was equally active in his social activities and personal life. For over 50 years John and his life-long best friends, Deane F. Bergstrom, Donald M. Healy, Richard M. Lenio, William R. Stevens and Peter S. Vrooman trekked to the Adirondacks for their annual camping trip. Sleeping on the ground in tents gave way to lobster feasts in cozy cabins as the years passed. Each year brought new stories and warm memories of long-cherished friendships that started in grade school. He had a passion for history as well, especially the American Civil War, which led to trips to Gettysburg and bookshelves full of Civil War texts, Ogunquit Maine, Jekyll Island Georgia, and Englewood Florida were favorite travel destinations as well. Surviving are Johns wife of 59 years, Maxine and their four children, Kimberly Strong Flint; John J. Strong III, Amy Jo (William P.) Loveland, and Linda Jo (Col. Jay D.) Kerecman. John will also be missed by his ten grandchildren, Caitlin C. Flint (Bradley P.) Gaborow; Alexander J. Strong, Audra J. Strong (Michael D.) Smith, William P., Joseph L. and Jacob T. Loveland, and Sarah E., Carolyn G., Natalie J. and Daniel J. Kerecman; a sister, Janet E. Edwards; sisters-in-law, Joyce M. Smith and Lorraine M. Getman; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, John J. Strong, Sr. and Mae D. Farquhar; a sister, Joan M. Guelfi; a special aunt, Martha Farquhar; parents-in-law, Joseph L. Perfetti, Sr., and Helena Ruzanski Perfetti; and brothers-in-law, Joseph F. Guelfi; Richard M. Edwards and Joseph L. Perfetti, Jr. Calling hours will be held at The Strong-Burns and Sprock Funeral Home 401 N. George St. Rome, NY on Tuesday, November 18, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 11:00 am at The First Baptist Church, 301 W. Embargo St. Rome, NY Interment at Evergreen Cemetery, Rome, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to The First Baptist Church, Tower Fund or Jervis Library.