John Erwin Strong ’53

NYC native John Strong, who served faithfully and unerringly as '53 treasurer under five class presidents for a record 20 years, died Jan. 19, 1998, in Vero Beach, Fla., where he had retired after a prolonged illness.

The son of Benjamin Strong '19, son-in-law of William D. Gaillard Jr. '26, and the brother-in-law of our Bill Gaillard, John prepared at Exeter. He was in Colonial and majored in history. After graduation, he was a Navy officer for three years. His career was in banking, first in NYC with J.P. Morgan, then in Philadelphia with Girard Trust, and finally in Vermont as e.v.p. of the Howard Bank. John was on the Alumni Council of Exeter, from which both his children graduated, and on the board of numerous volunteer groups where he aided others. His close friend Ed Bragg put it well: "John's positive spirit, the quick smile, and his deep faith were there until the end."

John is survived by wife Katharine, son John Jr. '83, and daughter Karen Fossel, all of whom spoke or wrote moving remembrances at his service, two grandchildren, and sister Laura Butterfield. Sympathy may be expressed by contributing to the Visiting Nurse Assn. and Hospice, 1111 36th St., Vero Beach, FL 32960.

The Class of 1953