John A. Strasser

John 'Jack' A. Strasser, 67, of Wethersfield, beloved husband and soul mate of LouAnn (Russell) Strasser, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday (March 30, 2010) due to complications from lung cancer. He was born October 30, 1942 in Hartford, son of the late Richard A. and Dorothy (Rumple) Strasser. Jack fondly remembered his years as a lifeguard at Hammonasset Beach, played softball, bowling, tennis, horseshoes and was an avid golfer. Jack was a former owner of Jim Carty's Café in Newington where he met LouAnn 35 years ago. For the past 45+ years Jack was the Owner-Operator of a Pepperidge Farm, then an S.B. Thomas franchise. He was an active member of the Wethersfield/Rocky Hill Elks Lodge #2308. Jack donated apheresis cells for cancer patients and did numerous charitable fundraisers. As Jack strongly believed in organ donation, we were grateful to donate his eyes to the CT Eye Bank, but due to his cancer his donations were limited. A true friend who was unselfish and giving, he never missed an opportunity to help someone in need whether he knew them or not. Besides LouAnn, his devoted wife of 30 years, he is survived by his two loving sons, Mark A. and Michael J. Strasser and his loving daughter, Traci L. Meredith and her special friend Paul McComiskey. He leaves behind his grandchildren, Michael, Zac, Jake and Olivia Strasser, Jared and Ellie Meredith, Mariah Lombardo and Ashley LaFlamme; his mother-in-law, Vivian Russell whom Jack helped care for; a brother-in-law W. Douglas and Casandra Russell; two sisters-in-law Jean 'Jennifer' and Tim Bister, and Kathy McCaw. He leaves his nieces Kim Jones, Shauna Bister and Caitlin McCaw; nephews Jay and Todd Sharp, Brent and Nathaniel Russell, Travis Bister, Kurt and Derek Smith and Kyle Pellegrini. He also leaves many extended family members and many dear friends who meant the world to him. He was predeceased by his father-in-law, Wayne D. Russell and a brother-in-law, Paul E. Russell USN. Honoring Jack's wishes he was cremated, and a Memorial Service followed by a Celebration of Jack's Life (casual attire) will be held on Saturday, April 10 at 1 p.m. at the West Hartford VFW Post 9929, 83 South Street, West Hartford. His family would like to thank his doctors and staff at St. Francis Hospital 89 Wing for their kind, loving care. Jack was always there for us. He will be deeply missed by all who had the honor and pleasure to know him. Rest in peace Jack and thanks for all the memories...Our love is eternal. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Life Choice, Donor Services, 8 Griffin Road North, Windsor, CT 06095, or do something nice for someone in need in Jack's memory...it's how he lived his life...Pay It Forward... For online expressions of sympathy please visit www.desopo.com.