John Strub

John was born February 28th, 1949 in Ithaca, New York and raised in Clifton Springs, New York. He is predeceased by his parents, William and Caroline Strub and grandparents, Louis and Sarah Strub and William and Irene Wittman.

In his early years, John worked on the family farm with his 7 brothers and 1 sister in Clifton Springs, New York, helping to milk the cows, harvest hay and corn, and keep the milking parlor clean. This is where he learned his work ethic and discipline. He often spoke fondly of his time on the family farm where he developed lasting memories.

After graduating Clifton Springs High School in 1967, John attended the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, New York, from 1967 to 1971, from which he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry.

John proudly shared stories of fighting forest fires out West during and directly after college. He went on to find his passion as a Utility Analyst working for the NYS Public Service Commission for 25 years. He was dedicated to this career, and was honored to eventually have his son work by his side.

John was always working on a project at home, whether it be painting his house, canning tomatoes and his famous bread and butter pickles, or tending to his pristine garden. Even through his hobbies, John manifested his loving and dedicated nature.

Anyone that met John sensed his undoubted commitment to God and devotion to family. He was a witness of God’s selfless love, always blessing those around him through his actions and words, from his neighbors to co-workers, friends, church family, and those near and dear to his heart. With his beautiful heart, John lived up to the ‘#1 Dad’ shirts he so proudly wore. He was dedicated to his family, supporting his siblings, nieces and nephews, children, and grandchildren in all of their passions. He would never miss a chance to attend a sporting event or school concert, always unselfishly prioritizing his family. He left a great impartation of gentleness, strength, and kindness and was known as a ‘rock’ in the lives of those that knew him with the peace and joy of the Lord always shining through him. John’s love, faith, and unspeakable joy are what made him a testimony of God’s unconditional love. He always gave glory to God for his blessings, and he had unwavering faith in God’s plan for his life until the very end of his time on Earth.

He is lovingly remembered by his love, Shirley Strub, mother of his children; son Corey Strub and wife Fiona; daughters Shauna Strub, Stephanie Couse and husband Shane, Dusti Novellano and husband Stephen, and Sherilena Gessner and husband Eric; grandchildren Michaela and husband Nick, Cierra, Jacob, Ryland, Addalyn, Shayanna, Jonah, and Emma; and great grandchild Lane. He is also survived by his siblings William and wife Rosemary, Joel and wife Carol, Elizabeth and husband Chris, Daniel and wife Jean, Steven and wife Donna, Mark and wife Michelle, Matthew and wife Connie, Andrew and wife Debra; and 24 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by maternal aunts Alice Wittman of Clifton Springs, New York and Ruth Earls of North Carolina as well as several cousins.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, October 19th from 4pm-8pm at Bookhout Funeral Home at 357 Main Street, Oneonta, NY 13820. There will be a family graveside service the following day at Laurel Ridge Cemetery in Big Cove Tannery, PA. To light a candle or send the family an online condolence please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com

Before John went to be with the Lord, he had a vision of Heaven where he danced at the gates to his favorite praise song, “We’re Having a Party,” by Virgil Stokes.

“Oh, we’re having a party

In the presence of the Lord.

All the saints of God are singing,

Let his name be adored.

I came to celebrate the goodness

Of Jesus Christ, the risen Lord”