John W. Strait

John W. Strait, 78, a Dolgeville, New York native, recently of Tega Cay, South Carolina and formerly of Newark, New York, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, February 15, 2023 at Wellmore of Tega Cay, South Carolina and was surrounded by the love and support of his family.

He was born on June 11, 1944 in Little Falls, NY and was the son of the late, George and Catherine (Terlicak) Strait.  John attended Oppenheim-Ephratah Central School where he was an exceptional athlete in both basketball and baseball.  He once scored 44 points in a game which was a school record, and led his team to a league championship.  He graduated with the Class of 1962. He attended Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, NY then attended Utica College in Utica, NY where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and graduated with the Class of 1966.

John was formerly employed with Public Loan in Newark, New York where he met his wife, Dawn. He then went on to work for Columbia Banking, and eventually M & T Bank, also in Newark, New York as Branch Manager and then Regional Vice President for many years until his retirement.

On May 9, 1970, John was united in marriage to Dawn A. Pruner at the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Newark. The couple shared 50th year of marriage together and raised their three sons in a loving home. Mrs. Dawn Strait passed away on February 11, 2021 at the age 72.

He was a long-time member of St. Michael’s Church in Newark, New York and a lifetime member of the Elks Club. He was on the board of directors for numerous organizations, including Newark Wayne Hospital and the Alex Eligh Community Center
 

John and Dawn moved to Mooresville, North Carolina in May of 2015 to be closer to their youngest grandchildren after supporting and being involved with their older grandchildren in Webster, NY.

He enjoyed golfing, camping, watching the Boston Red Sox baseball, Syracuse University basketball and Charlotte Hornets Basketball. John’s most precious time was spent in the company of his family, especially his grandchildren whom he adored.  He spent the last year attending his grandchildren's soccer games where he was considered part of their soccer family.  

John is survived by his three beloved sons and daughters-in-law and 6 grandchildren, sons, Christopher (Kristen) Strait and their children, Johnathan and Kathryn, Michael (Barbara) Strait and their children, Tenley and Michael ‘MJ”, and Brian (Leigh) Strait and their children, Andrew “Drew” and Joseph “Joey”; a brother and sisters in-law, Rodney (Michelle) Strait and Donna (Chuck) Watkins his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Vicky (Paul) Powell and Mark (Tracy) Pruner; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; as well as many loving relatives and cherished lifelong friends.

A memorial service for John and Dawn Strait will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 31 N. Helmer Ave., Dolgeville, New York with Fathe Brian K. Slezak officiating. A spring graveside service for John W. Strait will be held immediately following the memorial mass at 12:30 at St. Joseph's Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with his wife and parents.  The family is being cared for by Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329.

To leave a message of sympathy for the Strait Family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall.

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