Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Adair Funeral Homes - Avalon Chapel

8090 North Northern Avenue

Oro Valley, Arizona

Robert Strong Obituary

Major General Robert W. Strong Jr., USAF (Ret) Robert William Strong Jr. died peacefully at home on March 16, 2006. He was born in Painseville, Ohio on November 23, 1917. His father, a West Point grad (class of '15), was a cavalry officer in the U.S. Army, and young Robert grew up in the nomadic, adventurous world of the old-time Army Brat. An alumnus of Valley Forge Military Academy, he entered West Point with a presidential appointment. He graduated in 1940 and earned his wings in 1941. During World War II, he served in the Pacific Theater with the 21st Bomber Command as a B-29 pilot and squadron leader. After the war, he held a variety of positions, including Tactical Officer at West Point, Asst. Air Attache to Canada, student at the Naval War College, and staff officer at Air Force Headquarters in Washington, D.C. In 1956 he returned to the Strategic Air Command as Field Commander. His commands included the 376 Bomb Wing, the Strategic Wing, the 825th Strategic Aerospace Division. In 1963 he was assigned to a three-year tour as Commandant of Cadets at the USAF Academy. From there he returned to SAC with command of the 817th Air Division at Pease AFB. His last USAF assignment was Chief of Staff of the 8th Air Force and senior staff executive in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. In 1970 he retired from the USAF. General Strong received a number of awards during his USAF career, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and two USAF Commendation medals. After retirement from the USAF he became the Superintendent at Valley Forge Military Academy and Junior College, his Alma Mater. General Strong was preceded in death by his parents, Brig. General Robert W. and Mildred M. Strong, and two brothers Walter and 1st Lt. Gordon Strong (West Point graduate). He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Virginia Denit Strong; son David; three grandsons; and two great-grandchildren. Graveside services and burial will be held at the family plot in West Point Cemetery at a later date. The family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to the wonderful Linda Cook and her family for the devoted care given to General Strong through his last years, and to Odyssey Healthcare for its constant support. In lie of flowers, donations may be made to the Sarver Health Center, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ, 85724, or to the West Point Alumni Association. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, AVALON CHAPEL .

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Mar. 20, 2006.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Strong

Not sure what to say?





My deepest sympathies go to the Strong family. Cousin Virginia I am very sad at your loss and will always remember you and the General as I knew you as a young VF cadet. General Strong has always been an inspiration to me.



William Painter Mai

Son of Ruth Buchanan Mai (Locus Cove Va.)

William P. Mai

July 14, 2006

I would like to thank everyone for their kind words and wonderful memories of my grandfather. He was one of a kind and faithful in his integrity. He had a sense of humor and stories that always made us laugh. I only knew him in his family role, and I can tell you that he loved his family so much. It was very difficult to do wrong in his eyes, and he instilled honesty and integrity in us as we grew up. I miss him so much and am thankful that I had his example growing up.

Mike Strong

March 25, 2006

My memories of Gen Strong are very positive and sincere. He was a professional airman and as a senior at the Academy I remember organizing our squadron's Saturday morning inspection with his picture on each Cadet's desk. He was a great sport about it and know more now about his task at the Academy. I respected his leadership and wish his family well in their loss. Thank you for his service to his country.

Dean Hess

March 25, 2006

Your husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather signed my Air Force Academy diploma in 1963. God rest his soul and keep all of you in His loving arms. Gratefully, Tim Gallagher

Timothy Gallagher

March 24, 2006

This nation is made great by men of character and service like General Strong. May God raise up more men and women like him. They are much needed in our country and world today. May God also comfort his wife and family in their grief.(USAFA, 72)

Tom Schenk

March 24, 2006

I did not have the privilege of knowing this honorable man, but take pride in being associated with his legacy as an Air Force Academy graduate. As I read about his accomplishments and heritage I feel proud knowing he offered so much to his country and fellow man. My condolences to the family.

Wes Roberts

March 23, 2006

I was a cadet under Gen Strong leadership from 1963 to 1967. His staunch support of the cadets and the Honor Code during some very troubling times gave me an understanding of making correct choices under all circumstances. His lessons in leadership carried me through some very difficult times in service to my country, my community and the youth of this nation. My heartfelt sympathy to his family at this time of loss.



Sincerely,

Richard R. Lamothe, Lt. Colonel(Ret) Class of 1967

Richard Lamothe

March 23, 2006

As a 1968 graduate of the Air Force Academy, I can honestly say I first learned about being an exceptional Air Force officer from my commandant, General Strong. He was a good and decent man, whose life touched and changed us all for the better.

Robert M. "Bob" Johnston

March 22, 2006

My deepest sympathies to the General's family. I was a cadet when he served as Commadant of Cadets at the Air Force Academy. His leadership influenced my life. I thank him and you for his service to our nation. May he rest in peace.

John Hockemeier

March 21, 2006

My sympathy and regrets to family. I valued my service under you in SAC years ago. John E. Coulahan, Class of 1945

John E. Coulahan

March 21, 2006

My sympathy, respect and regards. From a member of the Class of 1965, USAFA.

William Roberts

March 20, 2006

It was an honor and privilege to have met you. May you rest in peace.

Sharon Anderson

March 20, 2006

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

Make a Donation
in Robert Strong's name

Memorial Events
for Robert Strong

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Adair Funeral Homes - Avalon Chapel

8090 North Northern Avenue, Oro Valley, AZ 85704

How to support Robert's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Robert Strong's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more