Luke Stephen Strand

The Boston Red Sox lost one of their most loyal fans on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 when Luke Stephen Strand, 24, left us far too soon. Luke was the epitome of a renaissance man. With a deep love for his family, his animals, sports (playing AND watching), music (playing AND listening), mathematics (can anyone really play at math?), politics & world events, Luke could carry on an engaging conversation with anyone. He will be remembered by everybody with whom he interacted for his sweet, sensitive soul. It's hard to have to say goodbye to someone so young, but Luke can rest easy knowing he left us better off for having known him. Luke quickly became known as our Boston boy, where he loved to host his friends and family, go to innumerable Red Sox games, and solve complicated math equations. As a student at Boston University, he began to work at Ecco Pizzeria, and quickly realized he had a passion for the culinary arts. He enjoyed his time at Ecco, Upper Crust, and Stone and Paddle. One of his family's favorite last memories of him was coming into the house and smelling the incredible meal that he just "whipped up" while blasting the music that meant so much to him. Luke will be greatly missed by his loving mom, Maureen Leyes; father, Stephen Strand and his wife Karen of Manchester; and his loving sister, Rebekah. He also leaves his very special aunt, Kathy Strand, his paternal grandmother, Beverly Strand, many aunts, uncles, cousins, stepsisters, and Brian McDuffee, whom he was so excited to call a "brother". Luke was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Rev. Burton Strand and maternal grandparents, Joseph and Margaret Leyes. Luke attended Center Road School in Vernon, St. James in Manchester, and was a 2011 graduate of Xavier High School in Middletown, CT. As the teacher's pet, he will be remembered by the educators that he enlightened for the rest of their lives. Fitz and Fenway, his lovable canine companions also mourn his loss. He now joins his childhood dogs, Nicholas and Zoey. Calling hours are Wednesday, December 27, from 4-7 p.m. at Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home, 400 Main Street Manchester. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 28, at 10:30 a.m. at Concordia Lutheran Church, 40 Pitkin Street, Manchester. The Rev. John Corgan and Rev. Douglas Barclay will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Jordan Porco Foundation, https://www.rememberingjordan.org/support-us/donate/, or Sadie Mae Foundation Animal Rescue League Incorporated P.O. Box 9323 Bolton, CT 06043.