Donald P. Strike

Don was a long-time resident of Wayne, PA, and more recently, Devon, PA. He was the second of four children of the late Peter and Veronica (Dugan) Strike, and was born on October 24, 1936 in Mount Carmel, PA.

After graduating from Mount Carmel Catholic High School, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science. Next, he earned a Master’s degree and a PhD in organic chemistry from Iowa State University where his dissertation focused on the Synthesis of Drimanic Sesquiterpenes. Upon receiving his PhD, he was accepted into a postdoctoral program, and spent one year doing research and teaching at the University of Southampton in England.

Once back in the U.S., he lived in the Society Hill section of Philadelphia and began working as a research chemist at Wyeth Laboratories in Radnor, PA. It was here that he met his future wife, Sally Ann Cavanaugh, and spent his entire career. Over the years, his research focused on diabetes, hepatitis and bacterial infections, and his roles included group leader, manager, associate director of Wyeth-Ayerst Research in Princeton, NJ, and finally as Director of Medicinal Research and Senior Research Fellow before retiring in 1998. He filed many national and international patents over his career.

He was a member of the American Chemical Society (medicinal chemistry and organic chemistry sections), Philadelphia Organic Chemist Club, Phi Delta Chi, and Phi Lambda Upsilon.

Raising his family in Wayne, PA, he was an active member of Saint Katherine of Siena Parish. He was well-traveled and enjoyed family and business trips across the U.S. and in Europe. His love of the outdoors began early, playing with friends in the woods around Mount Carmel, and later camping, hunting, and golfing with family and friends. He enjoyed the camaraderie of the Glenhardie Country Club where he and Sally played cards and couples golf.

He is survived by his wife Sally, son Brian (Colleen) Strike, daughter Samantha (Gregory) Hansell, grandchildren Tabitha and Griffin Hansell, sisters Patricia (Steven) Murawski, Diane (Frank) Ficca, and Carol (Rusty) Tinsley, and three nieces and a nephew.

A Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, July 22, 2024 at The Church of Saint Monica, 63 Main Ave, Berwyn, PA. Prior to Mass, relatives and friends may visit with the Strike family between 9:30 am and 10:45am. The Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 am at The Church of Saint Monica.

The family extends an invitation for all to join them for a reception following the Mass. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to The Church of Saint Monica and sent to the parish office at 635 First Avenue, Berwyn, PA 19312.

Interment will be private.