John Strong

Mr. John Francis Strong, 71, of Woodbine, died Monday, Sept. 23, at his home.

He was the husband of Gwendolyn Hoffman Strong of Silver Spring.

Born April 2, 1931, in Detroit, Mich., he was the son of the late John Francis and Ruth Feazell Strong.

He was a physicist for the Department of Defense for 36 years.

He was a member of the Smithsonian Society, Leisure World Lion's Club, Knights of Columbus and Rockville Ham Radio Operators Club.

He loved animals and going fishing, and enjoyed trains and coin collecting. He was also an avid participant in the Smithsonian Kite Festival in Washington.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, John William Strong and wife Gail McGaha of Derwood, and Kimberly M. Snyder and husband Paul of Woodbine; two grandchildren, Sara M. Snyder and William J. Snyder, both of Woodbine; three stepchildren, Ann Mantelmacher and husband Lee of Owings Mills, Bobbi Wright and husband William of Annapolis, and Jonathan Green and wife Jill of Harrisburg, Pa.; six stepgrandchildren; and one sister, Faith Hodgman and husband Kenneth of Grand Junction, Mich.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Rosemary Revelli Strong.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 7 to 9 p.m., and Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Stauffer Funeral Home, 8 E. Ridgeville Blvd., Mount Airy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at St. Michael's Catholic Church at Poplar Springs, 1125 St. Michael's Road, Mount Airy, with the Rev. Michael J. Ruane as celebrant.

Interment will be Saturday, Sept. 28, in Grand Junction Cemetery in Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be made to Winter Growth Inc., 18110 Prince Phillip Drive, Olney, Md. 20832.