Francis X. Strasser

Strasser, Francis X. ALBANY Francis Xavier Strasser, 71, entered into eternal life on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at St. Peter's Hospice Inn. Mr. Strasser was born in Manhattan of German immigrant parents. In 1957, he received an associate degree in applied science from Westchester Community College. After two years' service as a criminal investigator in the U.S. Army, he joined the New York State Police in 1963. He and Theresa Anne Coyne were married in 1966. He completed his bachelor's degree in criminal justice at John Jay College, City University of New York, in 1968, and master's degree requirements in 1970. He embarked on doctoral research at the State University of New York at Albany on a three-year department of justice research fellowship, receiving a second master's degree there in 1973. Promoted to sergeant in the New York State Police in 1972, he served as assistant project director for the New York State Police's Job Analysis detail, based at the New York State Police Academy in Albany, N.Y. from 1973-76. While a member of the state police, he also became a volunteer announcer at the public radio station WMHT, and was the host of the classical music program "Through the Night." He retired from the state police in 1984, but continued to teach criminal justice as adjunct faculty at the Schenectady County Community College for many years. In September 2008, in recognition of his decades of devotion to all things rose-related, he received the Outstanding Judge Award of the New York District of the American Rose Society. He enjoyed writing, publishing many horticultural articles and working on a mystery novel; he was also an avid world traveler. Francis is survived by his wife of 43 years, Theresa Coyne Strasser; two children, Joel Francis Strasser and Dina Elizabeth Strasser (Colin Pritchard); two grandchildren, Rebecca and Ian Pritchard; his brother, John Strasser (Jeanne), and sisters Margaret Sheehan (James), Elizabeth Strasser (Esteban Silvera), and Anne Leonard (Donald). Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Pl., Delmar. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205.