Arthur V. Strock

Arthur V. Strock, 93, passed away March 16, 2021, surrounded by his loved ones at home. He was preceded in death by Frances Eaton Strock, his wife of 58 years and by his sisters Lois Combs and Marilyn Ivory. He is survived by his loving, romantic partner of 12 years, Sonia Pozzi. A devoted father, he is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law: Karen Clark (Neil), Tracey Miller (Lawrence), Paige Maier (Randall). He is also survived by his sister Carolyn Higgs and brothers Kenneth Strock and Sonny Headlee. He was proud to be grandfather to Elliott Clark (and grandfather-in-law to Carrie Clark), Curtis Miller, Colleen Miller, Noah Maier, Sophia Maier, Lydia Maier, Elijah Maier, and great-grandfather to Logan Clark.

A Florida native, Arthur was born in Miami, served in the US Coast Guard, earned a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Miami, and moved to Deerfield Beach in 1960 to become the first City Engineer and a leading expert in beach restoration. At the time of his arrival in Deerfield, the beach was so eroded that parts of Ocean Way were impassable and the beach itself was often unsafe or unusable for recreation. His work on beach replenishment began the process that turned Deerfield Beach into its current, inviting showcase. Five years later, he opened Arthur V. Strock & Associates Engineering and continued his work as a national expert in beach preservation. His expertise was known nationwide and he worked on many projects up and down the eastern seaboard from Vero Beach to New York. In honor of his pioneering innovation and leadership in the field of Coastal Engineering, in 1985 he was awarded the national Jim Purpura Memorial Award by the Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association. He also served as President of that organization in 1970 and 1980. Adding to his impressive resume, Art became a land developer, creating family-centered communities such as Pheasant Walk in Boca Raton.

An outstanding community leader, Arthur had been an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Deerfield Beach where he served as president in 1965 and was awarded the Distinguished Lifetime Service award. He received an award for outstanding service from the Deerfield Chamber of Commerce, was also a member of the Masons, and served on the board of Southeast Bank. Currently a member of Grace Community Church where he was an enthusiastic supporter of the music program, Arthur was previously an active, long-term member of Trinity Reformed Church where he was an Elder, served as Sunday School Superintendent, and in 1981 was Classis president.

Art was an enthusiastic traveler who visited 5 continents. Always interested in sports and fitness, golf was an important hobby for a good deal of his life, leading him to yearly trips with golfing buddies all around the country as well as overseas. He earned his pilot’s license at 16 and enjoyed flying friends and family to exciting destinations. But—to the end—his passion for tennis was undisputed, playing usually bi-weekly well into his 90s.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 21st from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. with a short memorial service beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Babione-Kraeer Funeral Home, 1100 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL; 561-395-8787. The visitation and service will be available through live stream at babionesouthflorida.com; click “Services” on the Arthur Strock obituary page. Condolences and flowers may be sent to Babione-Kraeer. Memorials marked in Arthur Strock’s name may be sent to Grace Community Church, 600 W Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL 33486