Hubert John Strachwitz

Hubertus Johan Englebert Maria Hyancith von Strachwitz was born in Berlin, Germany, in November 1937, and emigrated to the United States when he was about 8 years old. He spent most of his childhood in Reno, Nevada, before attending Cate High School in California. He began his US Navy career in 1955 as a Naval Academy plebe and completed that very successful career in 1980, retiring as a Commander. If asked, he would tell you that one of his greatest accomplishments was his time in “Uncle Sam’s Canoe Club”, as he affectionately called it. During his time in the Navy, he also became a proud, naturalized US citizen.

Hugh was a devoted husband to Mary Jo, having married her in June 1966. They remained married for 56 years until Mary Jo’s passing on Christmas Day, 2022, but he is now with her undoubtedly playing bridge, listening to live heavenly jazz, and enjoying a scotch on the rocks with family and friends who passed before him.

Hugh was also a devoted father. He and Mary Jo adopted two boys, Peter in 1969, and David in 1971. The boys grew up in various places throughout California before the family finally settled in Bonita in 1980, following Hugh’s retirement from the Navy. As his health declined, he moved in with Peter’s family, at their desire and insistence, in May 2025, where he stayed until his passing. David essentially moved in with Peter’s family for the last 10 weeks of Hugh’s life and provided a tremendous amount of love and support.

Hugh was a warm and generous soul who made friends easily and positively affected more people than he knew. He was a great storyteller and ready to talk politics on a moment’s notice, but he was also always ready to offer advice to anyone who asked. He was loved by many and returned that love unconditionally. He will be missed more than he would admit.

Hugh is survived by his older sister Frances, his younger sister Barbara, his two sons, Peter and David, his daughter-in-law Carla, and his three granddaughters, Reagan, Sofia, and Madilyn, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by so many friends, all of whom he loved and would consider part of his family.

He passed peacefully in the presence of loving family who will miss him dearly. We’ll see you soon, Hugh, to which he would undoubtedly respond, “If the rivers don’t rise, and the bridge don’t fall”! Rest in peace, Dear Man.