David W. Strobel

STROBEL, David W. 89, formerly of Holland Patent, NY, died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008, at his home in New Port Richey, with his beloved son and daughter by his side. He was born on his father's birthday, July 3, 1918, to loving parents Willis and Bertha Strobel, at their home in Middleville, NY, the third of their seven children. He was active and talented from an early age in musical and especially athletic endeavors, playing football and baseball for Middleville High School (now West Canada Valley Central). After high school graduation he played baseball as a catcher for local semi-pro teams, where he also caught the eye of a young local schoolteacher, Darwina Davis, and they were married in nearby Newport, NY on his 22nd birthday, 1940. "Dolly" encouraged him to fulfill his educational and occupational goals, and worked to support them while he commuted to Ithaca College from their first home in Chemung, NY. The war intervened and Dave enlisted in the Army Air Corps, serving in many locations from 1942-1946, returning to complete his BS in physical education from Ithaca College in 1947. He then began a long, successful and fulfilling career as a physical education teacher, coach and athletic director for Holland Patent Central School, Holland Patent, NY, where he instituted several athletic programs and was instrumental in influencing many young men's athletic and educational aspirations. He completed many hours of graduate work, helped earn many championships for HPCS in his coaching career, and was several times named local "Coach of the Year." Coach and Mrs. Strobel took their teaching and guiding responsibilities very seriously, and dedicated themselves to their children and the youth of the area for nearly 30 years of teaching and coaching. After retirement in 1975, they moved to New Port Richey and enjoyed many years of golf, travel, and visits from friends and family. Dave devoted many of his later years to caring for his wife until her passing in 2002. He was a longtime member of the Magnolia Valley Golf Club near his home in New Port Richey, making two holes-in-one there and one in California. He found it necessary to give up golf only in recent years, but still was an astute and interested sports fan, particularly of the Tampa Bay Bucs, & D-Rays,and always enjoyed following the careers of young, talented and hard-working athletes. His last years were brightened and enriched by his correspondence with many past students, athletes, and friends young and old, and by the loving companionship of his special friend, Mrs. Charlotte Ravas, New Port Richey. An unusually sensitive, thoughtful, and generous parent, brother and friend, he leaves son, David J. "Sparky" and daughter in law, Linda Strobel, Poway, CA; daughter, Sarah "Sally" Miller, Newport, NY; brother, Alfred Strobel, Middleville, NY; grandson, Andrew Miller and granddaughter in law, Amanda; and great grandson, Chris, Eglin AFB, FL; grandson, Eric Miller, San Diego, CA; grandson, Scott Miller, Chicago, IL; grandson, Steven Brightbill and granddaughter in law, Jennifer; and great grandson, Corbin; grandson, Scott Brightbill; and granddaughter, Lisa Brightbill, all of Poway, CA; sister in law, Ann Strobel, Huntington Beach, CA; son in law, Duane Miller, Herkimer, NY; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and long-time friends. The family wishes to thank the entire staff of Gulfside Regional Hospice, New Port Richey, for their supportive and respectful care during the past year. A Celebration of Mr. Strobel's life will be held at a later date at his home in Florida, and a family graveside service will be held in Middleville, NY later this year. Please consider contributions to either the Holland Patent Central School District Treasurer, Main St., Holland Patent, NY 13354 or West Canada Valley Central School, P.O. Box 360, State Route 28, Newport, NY 13416, where family and friends are establishing memorials in the Strobel name. "His heritage to his children wasn't words or possessions, but an unspoken treasure, the treasure of his example as a man and a father." Will Rogers, Jr.