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Stephen Strasser Obituary
1950 - 2021
Stephen Strasser "Steve" passed away on June 19. He was one of those people you never forget. His personality was larger-than-life and charismatic; his kindness, humility and intellect touched many – his students, friends and his beloved family. Steve was born in New York, NY in 1950, the youngest son of Robert and Eleanor Strasser. At age six, Steve underwent open heart surgery to repair a coarctation of the aorta – a risky procedure in 1956. Steve's heart never slowed him down – he played varsity tennis at Riverdale Country Day School and later at the University of Pennsylvania; his team winning its first ever national championship title. Following his college graduation, Steve played on the USTA tour; his best ranking at 222 in the world. Steve pursued his Ph.D. at the University of Michigan and later taught in the College of Medicine at The Ohio State University. Steve was a pioneer and thought-leader in the field of Medical Outcomes Research. His ingenuity led him to found his own company dedicated to improving the quality of healthcare through survey research. At age 52, Steve suffered from a series of heart attacks and strokes related to his childhood heart condition, but made a herculean recovery – learning to walk again and overcome cognitive disabilities. Ten years later, Steve suffered another setback leaving him even more impaired; however, his courage and determination enabled him to rehabilitate yet again and live a full life. His spirit was truly unbreakable and his ability to rebound would never have been possible without the devoted, loving care of his wife. Steve leaves behind the love of his life – Sarah – who he met at age 15 at summer camp; they were married for 49 years. He also leaves behind his three children, Joanne (Olga), Jeffrey and Danny (Marc); and his beloved grandson, Elliot; as well as his brothers, Peter (Jane) and Donald (Millie). The funeral will be held for friends and family at 11am Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at Epstein Memorial Chapel, 3232 E Main, Columbus. Interment to follow at Green Lawn Cemetery-Beth Tikvah section. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the ACLU Foundation. https://action.aclu.org/give/make-tax-deductible-gift-aclu-foundation
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Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Strasser
Sponsored by The Columbus Dispatch.
Gene Sperling
November 29, 2021
Man, I loved Stephen and Sarah Strasser. Stephen was such a special person who touches you and you always remember. The tennis skill, the tennis stories told with such passion, the super cool older friend, the kindness to me and everyone in my family. The Strasser years in Ann Arbor were years of him being loved and admired and so fondly remembered.
Gene Sperling
Joanne Strasser
November 8, 2021
Ken Kirkendall
August 18, 2021
Steve and I also played tennis together when he was in Ann Arbor. He always had a smile on his face as he was beating the crap out of you. Just thinking of him brings a smile to my face. I am so sorry to her about his passing, he really made everyone around him a better person.
Joanne Strasser
July 14, 2021
Joanne Strasser
July 14, 2021
Joanne Strasser
July 14, 2021
Joanne Strasser
July 14, 2021
Joanne Strasser
July 14, 2021
More pictures
Joanne Strasser
July 6, 2021
Joanne Strasser
July 6, 2021
Joanne Strasser
July 6, 2021
Joanne Strasser
July 6, 2021
Joanne Strasser
July 6, 2021
Some wonderful old photos!
Bill Godfrey
July 6, 2021
CORRECTION, and I know Steve would want me to clarify this ASAP...Steve BEAT Tim (not Tom) Gullickson 7-6, 6-3 in the finals of the Cleveland tournament! A great win! Sorry for the mix up.
Bill Godfrey
July 5, 2021
Steve and I played tennis together while he was a PhD student at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor circa 1974. I was an impressionable 15-year-old and aspiring junior tennis player at the time; Steve was a 24-year-old veteran of college and pro tennis, loaded with great stories, advice, a big serve and forehand, and a larger-than-life personality that he generously shared with me and others in Ann Arbor. We even played doubles in several tournaments, reaching the finals of the Ann Arbor City Tournament in 1974 and competing in a pro event in Cleveland in 1975, where Steve also reached the finals of the singles before losing a very close match to future world #34 and U.S. Davis Cup Captain Tom Gullickson, 7-6, 6-3. Steve said it was one of the best matches he ever played. Beyond tennis, his enthusiasm for life was what I remember most about Steve. It was contagious and left a lasting impression on me and many others in the Ann Arbor tennis community. For this gift we are eternally grateful.
With deepest sympathies and fond memories,
Bill Godfrey
Billy Godfrey
July 4, 2021
There are no words...Sarah and family...I'm so sorry for your loss...more to follow from Ann Arbor about Steve "One of a Kind" Strasser. This man was definitely special.
Wil Cummings
July 4, 2021
The Ann Arbor tennis community will continue to be thankful he came our way. We have missed him since he and Sarah left town but he never lost his place in our memories of his playing.
Christopher Coloian
July 2, 2021
I am deeply saddened at the news of Steve's passing. He was a mentor, professor, boss and friend. I carry his life long lessons and joy with me every day. His competitive spirit balanced by his deep caring and compassion for others inspired us to take on many leadership and life challenges in a balanced way. Our prayers and thoughts are with Sarah and his family.
Wendy de Bear
July 1, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. My husband, Rich de Bear, had so much admiration for Steve. They were members together at Wedgewood. Your family is in my thoughts as you deal with your loss. I hope that in time your memories will ease your sadness. In time, perhaps, the memories will bring a smile to your faces. Our family knows your sadness. Blessings to you all.
Diane Zoeller
June 23, 2021
Alan and I were deeply saddened to learn of Steve´s passing and extend our sympathy to Sarah and his family. His talents were many and he was an inspiration to all who knew him. We were blessed to know Steve and he will be remembered for his kindness and generosity. May he rest in peace.
Joe Noppenberger
June 23, 2021
Sarah
Karla and I send our prayers and condolences. Steve will be dearly missed.
Rafael Otero
June 22, 2021
Condolences to his family. I thoroughly enjoyed his teaching style. He made learning fun, challenging and rewarding.
Bill Henderly
June 22, 2021
We are praying for you Sarah, and your family during this time of Steve´s passing. Steve was an amazing and inspiring guy. I am encouraged by his lifelong efforts and passion. He will be missed, and long remembered. All the best.
Eric Tashman
June 22, 2021
In my very first day at the University of Pennsylvania I had the miraculous fortune of meeting Steve (and his sidekick John Marcus). From our first encounter I was drawn to Steve, by his graciousness, his smile, his self effacing humor, and his humility. We quickly became the closet of friends, then fraternity brothers and finally housemates. I have never again met a man that matches Steve´s endearing qualities. And I trust I never will-Steve was unique and I already miss him so. Eric
Lisa Hendricks Gregory
June 22, 2021
Sarah and family, I was so saddened to learn about Steve. It should not take something like this to reach out, but please know I am thinking of you all and hope to have the opportunity to connect in the near future. Sending love and wishes for peace for all of you...
Christine Rafeld
June 22, 2021
I am saddened to hear of Steve´s passing. He was one of my professors and my advisor in the MHA program at OSU. I learned so much from him and he stoked my passion for the field of Human Resources. I loved his sense of humor. He was such a practical guy who saw right through pretense of any sort. I´m so sorry he is gone. My sympathy goes out to his entire family.
Irene Timko Rostas
June 22, 2021
Offering heartfelt condolences from the class of 1983. We all loved Steve and his classes were wonderful. I will let as many of my fellow classmates as I can know that he has passed. We will miss him dearly and we are so sorry for your loss.
Brandon Russell
June 22, 2021
Steve was a great friend and I´ll always remember him as my partner in tennis and golf. Nancy and I send our condolences and wish you and your family all the best.
jim coleman
June 22, 2021
Steve aka "Mr. Met" an inspiration to all who knew him, his courage, love of family, persistence, humor and caring nature will be missed. I looked forward to seeing Steve, Sarah and Jeffrey at Wedgewood, I'll miss his quick wit and warm greeting. I have a new Mets hat I was hoping to give Steve in my locker, I'll makes sure Jeffrey gets it.
They say the measure of a man is if you're better having know them, I and everyone at Wedgewood are blessed and far better for knowing my friend Steve Strasser.
John Marcus
June 22, 2021
I have been a great friend of Steve's for many, many years, having met in ninth grade at Riverdale Country School. We both went on to the University of Pennsylvania, where we were roommates sophomore - senior years. Those were the heady 60's, and an exciting time was had by all. Together with another Penn classmate, roommate and mutual close friend, Eric Tashman, we were thick as thieves. Steve was the epitome of the warm, upbeat, glass half full guy and a bona fide renaissance man. We had the best college experience there was to have. Totally characteristic of his magnetic personality, Steve was cast in his senior year at Riverdale in the lead role of J. Pierpont Finch in our annual hairy-leg musical, which that year was How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. He fit the part to a T, slew the audience and stole the show. There was nothing that Steve couldn't do, and no-one that didn't like him upon first meeting. There was also no-one that Steve couldn't persuade in an opinion - including many memorable exchanges I overheard that he had with teachers and professors in classes where he hadn't yet read the assigned material! If all that wasn't enough, Steve was also the quintessential success in love and marriage, having met and started dating his beloved wife Sara when he was in ninth grade and she in eighth. They were the storybook couple of soul-mates that went out steadily through high school and all through college, and got married two weeks after graduation in a magnificent wedding. There are precious few people who can lay claim to anything near that experience. The world has lost one of its exemplary citizens and there is a deep hole in my heart. My greatest condolences go out to Sara, Joanne, Danny, Jeffrey and Steve's brothers Peter and Donny. Steve will be hugely missed.
With the greatest of affection,
John Marcus.
PS: Anyone who would like to share their experiences with Steve (and hear a few more anecdotes on his magical life) are welcome to reach out to me at "[email protected]".
Gregory Wolf
June 22, 2021
Sarah,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I will always remember Steve before and after his illnesses. We had such great fun in Scotland and I'll always remember him as we played Turnberry together in the first round. The challenges he overcame were a lesson for all of us to persevere in times of difficulties. Although I have not seen him in many years, my memories are still very vivid. I wish you all the best.
May he rest in peace.
Lee Bolzenius
June 22, 2021
When I read about Steve's time playing tennis I am reminded of listening in on faculty meetings at The Ohio State University and hearing Steve preface his remarks with "As the only professional athlete on the faculty . . . . ." Steve was my boss and dear friend for more years than I can count. He taught Human Resources and was a living example of how to inspire a joyful and productive workplace. He is one of a kind!
Stephanie Dunn
June 21, 2021
Danny and family - I was so sad to hear about the loss of your father. Sending prayers your way. I know you have a lot of great memories of him — I hope they comfort you.
John M. Davis
June 21, 2021
Sarah,
I just heard about Steve. As you know the Riverdale Community is small and at this point in our lives: tight. My parents were friendly with Steve´s folks. I know he fought many battles with his health. Sending you my deepest condolences during this very sad time .
Sincerely,
John M. Davis
965 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10075
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