In Memory Of
Harry J. Strole
1942
2021
Harry J. Strole
June 8, 1942 — July 16, 2021
Harry J. Strole, Sr.
June 8, 1942 - July 16, 2021
Delmar- On Friday, July 16, 2021 surrounded by his entire family the world lost a truly gentle soul.
Born in Queens, NY to Harry E. and Naomi Strole on June 8, 1942. In 1946, the family moved to Wantagh, NY. Eventually, he and his sweetheart Geri purchased his childhood home and remained there until his retirement from the Wantagh 5 & 10 in 2008 so they could be closer to his children and grandchildren.
Harry met the love of his life, Geraldine Strole, at a stock car race where his (unbeknownst to him) future brother and sister-in-law introduced them. Harry and Geraldine had their wedding reception at the Wantagh Hotel which eventually became a McDonald's.
They welcomed their son Harry John, Jr. within a year and completed their family 8 years later when their daughter Deborah was born.
Harry was a wonderful husband, incredible father and father-in-law, but truly the best grandpa ever to Emma and Shawn Chaney. The sun rose and set around his family and nothing made him happier than supporting them in their talents and interests.
His varied career included sales and retail with Golden Books, Foster Grant sunglasses, Woolworths, Channel Home Centers, Caldor and the Wantagh 5 & 10, which contributed to his vast knowledge on many subjects.
Harry told marvelous stories about everyone he knew and he knew everyone. He was easy to talk to and he made friends wherever he went with a kind and amiable way that drew people to him. He held many interests including auto racing, baseball (sports in general) sailing, photography, traveling, history, trains and telling stories.
He was the past president of the Wantagh Preservation Society helping out with restoring the historic Wantagh Train Station and "Jamaica" passenger car on the grounds of the museum. When he moved upstate he became a volunteer at the Berkshire Scenic Railway where he took pride in his work on their trains and facilities.
Harry leaves behind his wife of 57 years Geraldine, his son Harry John (Elisa), daughter Deborah Chaney (Jeff), grandchildren Emma and Shawn Chaney and a extended family of nieces and nephews and so many he called friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wantagh Preservation Society and/or the Berkshire Scenic Railway.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 from 4pm-8pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie, NY 12205. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday July 21, 2021 at 11am at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 85 Elm Ave, Delmar, NY 12054.
The service will be live streamed at: www.blcdelmar.com/live-stream
To leave a special message for the family online please visit NewComerAlbany.com
June 8, 1942 - July 16, 2021
Delmar- On Friday, July 16, 2021 surrounded by his entire family the world lost a truly gentle soul.
Born in Queens, NY to Harry E. and Naomi Strole on June 8, 1942. In 1946, the family moved to Wantagh, NY. Eventually, he and his sweetheart Geri purchased his childhood home and remained there until his retirement from the Wantagh 5 & 10 in 2008 so they could be closer to his children and grandchildren.
Harry met the love of his life, Geraldine Strole, at a stock car race where his (unbeknownst to him) future brother and sister-in-law introduced them. Harry and Geraldine had their wedding reception at the Wantagh Hotel which eventually became a McDonald's.
They welcomed their son Harry John, Jr. within a year and completed their family 8 years later when their daughter Deborah was born.
Harry was a wonderful husband, incredible father and father-in-law, but truly the best grandpa ever to Emma and Shawn Chaney. The sun rose and set around his family and nothing made him happier than supporting them in their talents and interests.
His varied career included sales and retail with Golden Books, Foster Grant sunglasses, Woolworths, Channel Home Centers, Caldor and the Wantagh 5 & 10, which contributed to his vast knowledge on many subjects.
Harry told marvelous stories about everyone he knew and he knew everyone. He was easy to talk to and he made friends wherever he went with a kind and amiable way that drew people to him. He held many interests including auto racing, baseball (sports in general) sailing, photography, traveling, history, trains and telling stories.
He was the past president of the Wantagh Preservation Society helping out with restoring the historic Wantagh Train Station and "Jamaica" passenger car on the grounds of the museum. When he moved upstate he became a volunteer at the Berkshire Scenic Railway where he took pride in his work on their trains and facilities.
Harry leaves behind his wife of 57 years Geraldine, his son Harry John (Elisa), daughter Deborah Chaney (Jeff), grandchildren Emma and Shawn Chaney and a extended family of nieces and nephews and so many he called friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wantagh Preservation Society and/or the Berkshire Scenic Railway.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 from 4pm-8pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie, NY 12205. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday July 21, 2021 at 11am at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 85 Elm Ave, Delmar, NY 12054.
The service will be live streamed at: www.blcdelmar.com/live-stream
To leave a special message for the family online please visit NewComerAlbany.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Harry J. Strole, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
4:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)
New Comer Cremations & Funerals
Service
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Guestbook
Visits: 5
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