Richard P. Strada

It is with heavy hearts that we are announcing the unexpected passing of our beloved Richard P. Strada on December 30, 2023. He earned his undergraduate degree from Montclair State College and his master’s degree from Penn State University before moving to Toms River.

Richard was hired at Ocean County College in 1968 as an Instructor in the Social Sciences Department and continued working there until his retirement as Vice President of Academic Affairs in 2014. During that time at the college, he also coached men’s ice hockey, women’s softball, and women’s soccer. In addition, he coached ice hockey and soccer at Toms River High School East and was inducted into the Toms River Schools Hall of Fame in 2006. When not at the college or coaching, he served as committeeman and mayor in Toms River. One of his proudest accomplishments as mayor was helping to build the Winding River Skating Center in Toms River in 1978.

Brother of Albert and Robert, father of Phillip and Michael (Terese), grandfather of Dominic (Lindsay), Meredith, Gianna, Caroline, and Madeline, and great-grandfather of Isabella. He also leaves behind dear friend Janet Hubbs and daughter Whitney Dionne. He enjoyed in his retirement baking, golfing, gardening, watching Princeton Hockey, spending weekends in New York City and summers in Cape Cod. He especially enjoyed baking with his grandchildren and being able to attend their games as a spectator.

A special shout out goes to his two “fur”ever cat companions: Daisy and Gatsby. Richard loved ALL cats and donated generously to rescues and animal shelters.

Visitation for family and friends is on Thursday, January 4th, from 4 PM to 8 PM at Anderson Campbell Funeral Home in Toms River. In lieu of flowers, please donate in his name to either The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or Calling All Cats Rescues in Toms River.