Edward C. Strong

Edward C. Strong, of Millcreek, passed away suddenly on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at the age of 101.

He was born April 15, 1922, a son of the late John Strong and Mabel Chapman.

Ed attended a one-room schoolhouse through seventh grade and then moved to Erie where he graduated from Strong Vincent High School with a letter in band and orchestra. He served in the Pacific fleet during WWII. He returned to the states after the war and married Sally Chandley. She died unexpectedly at a very early age and he raised his two young children alone.

Ed was an avid outdoor sportsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, camping, and archery. He was active in western style square dancing starting with the Y squares and continuing with the Perry Squares, where he served as president of the club. Ed enjoyed playing instruments, especially the guitar, and he attended all kinds of musical performances. Ed worked at Copes Vulcan in a variety of positions for many years until his retirement. Later in life he married Jean Keinath and they planned and built a house together during their retirement. This was the third house that Ed had constructed. They frequently traveled to square dance conventions and their grandchildren’s events. Church became a vital part of Ed’s life. He became a church elder, shepherd, and sang in the choir at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

 In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Jean; his brothers, John, Ray and Kenneth Strong; stepbrothers, Jack and Tom McBride; as well as a stepsister, Gladys Juhas.

He is survived by a daughter, Carolyn (Larry) Richard, a son, Kenneth (Bobbi) Strong, all of Erie; seven grandchildren, Rebekah, Benjamin, James, Justin, Nathan, Erin, and Alison; as well as seven great-grandchildren. He is further survived by a sister-in-law Nancy Ferguson.

Family and Friends are invited to attend a memorial service at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3642 West 26^th Street, Erie, PA, on Saturday, August 26^th at 11:00 AM. Burial will be private in Laurel Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to the Burton Quinn-Scott Funeral Home, West Ridge, 3801 West 26^th Street.

Memorials may be made to the Erie Second Harvest Food Bank, 1507 Grimm Dr., Erie, PA 16501 or to the charity of one’s choice.