David Raymond Strong

With broken hearts we announce the passing of David (Dave) Strong at the age of 51.

Born on February 26, 1974, in Framingham, MA, Dave was loving husband and father and cherished family and a friend to so many. Dave absolutely loved life. He was the most fun and charismatic person and lived a life surrounded by happiness and kindness. Dave had an ability to turn strangers into friends in minutes and lit up a room and a dance floor like no other. Dave had an unwavering commitment to his family and friends and believed in making this world a better place. His love for life and warmth was boundless and he touched so many lives in his short time.

Dave attended Seton Hall Prep for high school. The impact of his time there created a love for his alma mater that persisted to his last day: Dave lived by their motto Hazard Zet Forward or "whatever the peril, ever forward." Dave went on to attend Roanoke College and University of North Carolina Greensboro. He found his true calling while attending the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY where his path as a chef was set forward.

Dave went on to work as a chef in some of the most renowned kitchens in the Washington DC area, including Maloney and Porcelli, The Red Sage, McCormick and Schmick, and Poste for over a decade. Dave transitioned his talents to strategic planning and culinary development. In these roles, Dave served as Culinary Director at the US Capitol and Pentagon for Ridgewells and Director of Strategic Initiatives at Think Food Group. Dave also dedicated his culinary service to emergency response with World Central Kitchen, a position for which he was most proud. Dave was most recently the Director of Restaurant Development and Brand Portfolio with Avolta/HMS Host where he leaves behind a portfolio that took him from Maine to Hawaii.

Dave was an avid sports fan. He played lacrosse in high school as a long stick defenseman, leading his team to a state championship that garnered him a spot in the Seton Hall Prep Hall of Fame. Dave shared his love of skiing with his daughters, yearly taking the family on a ski trip with some of his favorite friends that are family. Dave was an avid Washington Capitals fan and season ticket holder, following the team to Las Vegas for their 2018 Stanley Cup victory. Most importantly, Dave's favorite role was as a softball coach to his daughter's teams, Battle Unicorns, Montgomery County Little League, Shockwaves Blue, and most recently The Lady Jackets of Damascus.

Dave was an avid music lover, particularly of the Grateful Dead. He spent many a night on the lawn or in his favorite venues listening to his favorite bands, and his road trip playlists were always the best.

David is survived by his wife of 19 years, Jamie, and their two beautiful daughters, Lillian and Eleanor; his parents, Raymond and Judith Strong; sister and brother in law, Kim and Jason Hoefling; two nephews, Max and Simon Hoefling; in laws, Patty and Douglas Wilson and Glenn and Anne Benedict; brother and sister in laws, Rob and Lauren Benedict; many aunts and uncles; and his beloved gaggle of cousins. Dave also leaves behind his adored pups, Ollie and Dutch.

There will be a celebration of David's life on Friday, August 29th from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm at Stone Silo Brewery, 28800 Kemptown Rd, Damascus, MD. All are welcome, children included.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Seton Hall Prep or Damascus Yellow Jackets Travel Softball.

Fare you well, fare you well, I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs, to rock my soul – The Grateful Dead