John "Jack" Howard Strait Jr.

John Howard Strait Jr., “Jack”, 68, passed away surrounded by loved ones on April 15, 2024, in Erie, PA after a long, hard-fought illness. Born on October 10th, 1955, in Erie, PA.

Jack graduated from Northwestern High School in 1973 and spent a 40-year career in the oil and gas well business. With a deep passion for the outdoors, Jack developed many skills which he generously taught to many. In his free time, he found great joy in fishing, especially for the elusive Musky. When not casting a line, Jack could be found canoeing, four-wheeling, target shooting, trapping, hunting, or playing billiards. He was also a prominent Little League coach for NW Little League for a number of years. He was a dedicated member of the Northwestern Sportsman's Club, the Veterans of Foreign Wars auxiliary, the Albion Loyal Order of the Moose, and the Sons of the American Legion through which he forged many enduring and life-long friendships. Every year Jack looked forward to stocking trout at the raceway and attending the kid’s fishing derby where he relished seeing the excitement of young anglers reeling in their first catch.

Jack was a loving husband of 48 years to his wife, Doreen, and a proud father to his three children and their significant others, Jeffrey (Brandie), J.C.  (Colleen), and Selina (James). He was also a proud grandfather to four grandsons, Hunter, Connor, Avery, and Jace. A regular attendee at their many sporting and extracurricular events, Jack was happiest court or field side, watching them play.

The oldest of 7, Jack is survived by his siblings Timothy, Samuel (Stephanie), Brenda (Michael), Thomas, P.J., and Connie (Gregory), his father-in-law Russell (Patricia), and numerous beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Jack was preceded in death by his father, John Howard Sr., his mother Marilyn (Drury), his mother-in law, Rosemary Lasher, and his brother-in-law, Dale Roth. As he joins them to begin his heavenly life, he will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who will find comfort in the many cherished memories of him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations in Jack’s name may be made to the Albion Sportsman Club Trout Raceway, PO Box 74, Albion, PA 16401 and Franklin Center United Methodist Church, 7471 Old State Rd, Edinboro, PA 16412.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. David Bodosky, his wife Kippy, and especially Ashley Melvin for their outstanding support and care.

Friends and family may call on Friday, April 19, 2024 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m at The Edder Funeral Home Inc. in Girard, PA with a funeral service following at 4:00 p.m. including a Broken Circle ceremony by the Moose in honor of Jack. An inurnment at Drury Cemetery and a celebration of life will be planned at a later date. 

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