Constance Strucko

Constance (Connie) Joan Lebischak Strucko, 92, of Randolph, New Jersey passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Saint Clare's Hospital in Dover, New Jersey.
Connie was born in 1932 in Chester, Pennsylvania to John and Dorothy Lebischak, and was sister to Betty and Patricia. A product of a Ukrainian immigrant family who valued education, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree from West Chester University, did graduate work at Columbia University, and earned a master's degree from Middlebury College in Vermont, where she studied with poet-laureate Robert Frost.
Connie was a career educator, teaching for 37 years. She taught English at Randolph High School in New Jersey where she met her husband, John Strucko. She then moved to Boonton High School in New Jersey where she chaired the English department. Connie was also on the faculty of the County College of Morris, teaching modern American literature. She was active with the Morris County Retired Educators, serving as Vice President and leading the scholarship committee awarding funds to deserving high school students. She was a member of Resurrection Parish in Randolph.
A lifelong learner, Connie remained an avid reader up to her death. She built a library of books in many genres, and she read the New York Times daily from cover to cover.
Connie was a fashionista. She was determined always to be impeccably dressed, usually in bold colors and patterns. She never missed an appointment to have her hair and nails done. Connie remained beautiful up to her last moment.
Connie enjoyed traveling throughout her life. She took her first tour of Europe as a recent college graduate and returned with John during their retirement. They visited Russia, Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Germany, Italy, Turkey, Egypt, and South Africa. Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts held a special place in Connie's heart and she and John returned often with their children and then their grandchildren.
Connie possessed an intensity that manifested in most everything she did. She pursued professional excellence as she taught several generations of students. She held people to high standards knowing their capabilities. She refused to suffer fools and made sure she raised her sons as independent critical thinkers.
Connie was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of over 60 years John, who passed away only 16 days earlier on January 23, 2025. She is survived by her son David C. Strucko, son Eric Strucko and daughter in law Laurie Strucko, and grandchildren David J. Strucko and namesake Claire Constance Strucko. She is also survived by her sisters Betty and Patricia and their families, and many friends from her teaching family.
A funeral mass for both Connie and John will be held on Saturday, March 15 at 1:00pm at Resurrection Parish in Randolph. Their ashes will be scattered in Martha's Vineyard on their anniversary date in June.