Henry Joseph Strauss

Shandaken-

    Henry " Joe"  Strauss, 86, of Shandaken died Monday September 24, 2018 at the Margaretville Hospital. He was born March 2, 1932 in Queens son of the late John and Jenny Leibold Strauss.  He was a veteran of the U. S. Airforce.  For three decades, Joe was a truck driver, as a member of the Teamsters Local 282, and drove for Domino Sugar, who was later taken over by US Trucking.  He was also active with law enforcement for over 15 years, first starting part-time with the Shandaken Constabulary, and later full time with the Shandaken Police, serving as the first Chief.  Additionally Joe served as Shandaken Police Commissioner from 1996 to 2018.  He was a parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Church, and had formerly been an usher at the Allaben Church as well as Phoenicia.  In the 1970's Joe was also focusing on show dogs, having won the Best of Breed, and Dual Championships.  He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed raising Flight Pigeons, fishing, and hunting.  He traveled extensively both in the US and abroad.  Joe was a good husband, great father, and provider, not only for his own family, but also privately he extended acts of charity to many families in the community that he knew could use a little help.  His family describes him as passionate, and constantly advising them, "Do what you love to do!"

     Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Theresa Ryan Strauss, son Joseph (Kim) Strauss of West Shokan, daughters Barbara VanBlarcum (Ray Scarth) of Big Indian, and Karen John) Steketee of Arkville.  Seven grandchildren: Jennifer, Joanne, Amy, Kevin, Joseph, John,  and Julia.  He was predeceased by his siblings: Joseph, Mae, Lizzie, Ella, Margaret, and Freddie.

     His funeral procession will form on Friday at 9:30am at the E. B. Gormley Funeral Home 87 Main Street with a bag piped cortege on Main Street to church.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am at the St. Francis de Sales Church Main St. Phoenicia with Fr. Raphael Iannone as celebrant.  Military honors, after Mass by the Phoenicia American Legion Post #950.  The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Shandaken Ambulance Squad.  Friends will be received on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9pm at the E. B. Gormley Funeral Home.  You may share a special memory with the family on Joe's Tribute Wall at gormleyfuneralhome.com

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