Michael Thomas Stroot

Mike was raised in Redondo Beach, California, and was the second of seven children born to Katie and Charlie Stroot. He graduated from Santa Clara University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. After graduation, he moved east to pursue graduate studies at the University of Maryland. There he met his future wife, Jane Byler, and they were wed in 1967. Mike worked in various jobs with the federal government before joining the faculty of The Heights School in 1970. He taught math and coached the school’s basketball team for a decade. Mike then took a job with the U.S. Census Bureau in 1980, and he and Jane packed up the family and moved to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 1982, where they lived for three years. The family returned to the States in 1985 and Mike continued to work for the Census Bureau until retiring in 2008.

In retirement, he returned to teaching math, at The Avalon School and Brookewood school, up through the end of the 2021 school year. Mike and Jane lovingly raised and guided into adulthood four children. He will be remembered fondly by the many students he taught, as well as his many professional colleagues. He also will be remembered by scores of swimmers as the announcer for meets at Cedarbrook Swim Club. Mike had a great sense of humor and was loved and respected by all who knew him well. A true child of southern California, he enjoyed spending time at the beach, frequently waiting to catch the perfect body-surfing wave or reading at the water’s edge during the family’s annual trips to Pawleys Island, South Carolina. Mike was also an avid fan of baseball in general and the Nationals in particular.

In addition to his wife of 54 years, Mike is survived by his children Thomas Stroot (Mary), Laura Richardell (James), Andrew Stroot, and Matthew Stroot (Lesley). He is also survived by nine grandchildren, four sisters, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at 10:00am followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Kensington, Maryland.

If desired, donations in Mike’s memory may be made to the Avalon and Brookewood schools.