Christopher Bryan Strong

Born and raised in Rochester, New York, he was a graduate of West Irondequoit High School. He found his second home in Texas, where he grew his career in restaurant management.

Chris never knew a stranger. When you met him, you were automatically a friend. He would invite you in for a beer and watch Sunday football while delicious tablitas were on the grill and various meats in the smoker. He would tell stories of his favorite spots back in Rochester, never missing an opportunity to brag about Zweigle's hotdogs, meat hot sauce, and garbage plates. He would argue with anyone that the Oakland Raiders were the best team in the NFL, Syracuse was best in college basketball, Yankees the best baseball team, and Bo Jackson was, hands-down, the best athlete of all time.

The one thing he cherished beyond his love for managing in restaurants and spending time with friends was his family. They meant everything to him. His mom, Joyce, was his comfort and his rock. His stepdad, Michael, was the father figure he deeply respected, and in his eyes, the steady example of what a good man looked like. His brother, Eric, was the smartest person he ever knew, someone he truly admired. And his sister, Michelle, was his mirror and his conscience; she was the voice inside his head he carried with him always. And when it came to Parker, Chris loved his son more than anything in the world. The moment Parker walked into a room, his whole face lit up. That was his boy. He was his true pride and joy, and he would tell anyone and everyone exactly that. Parker is everything good and kind that came from Chris.

He leaves behind cherished friendships across New York and Texas. He is survived by his son, Parker Strong (18), and Parker's mother, Kate VanMersbergen; his mother, Joyce DeVries; his stepfather, Michael DeVries; his brother, Eric Strong (Nikita); his sister, Michelle Strong; his uncles, Neil VanHooydonk (Sherry) and John VanHooydonk (Donna); his aunt, Nancy Trax; many beloved cousins and their families; and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Cornelius VanHooydonk and Hazel (Collins) VanHooydonk.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for their tremendous care and support of Chris to JoEllen Cowger of FL; Holly Arceneaux-Warner (Terry) of TX; William Wise and Erika Pounce of TX; Skip & Diane Jordan of TX; Amanda DaCosta & Jamie Rorie of TX; his loving Aunts Nancy and Sherry, and so many others who were by his side, offering their support in ways we only now fully recognize.

A gathering for family and friends in DFW will be announced at a later time, as well as a burial in Rochester.