John Strine

John Richard Strine passed away on the picturesque autumn afternoon of Thursday, October 17 with the sun shining brightly. Born to Alice Hobbs Strine and George Fredrick Strine in Baltimore, Maryland on April 12, 1941, John grew up immersed in athletics. He excelled in football, lacrosse, and wrestling, earning recognition for his sportsmanship and natural leadership abilities.

At Southern High School, John served as class president and was a sports writer for the school newspaper. He received the distinguished Thom McCann Award for Outstanding Sportsman from the city of Baltimore for his talent as a center on the football team.

The Baltimore News-Post recognized the honor saying, ""He's a boy with a deep human concern for others. We have a number of younger kids who wait outside our locker room after practice. Even though John must take a long streetcar ride to his home off Frederick Ave., he's never in too big a hurry to talk to these little guys and answer their questions." Coach Stan Fieldman remarked. "Every time the door opens, the kids ask where is John." Fieldman said." (Baltimore News-Post, Feb. 2, 1960.)

He continued his athletic pursuits at the University of Baltimore on lacrosse and wrestling scholarships, graduating in 1966 with a bachelor's degree in business. While in school, he met the love of his life and wife, Phyllis Weber Strine. This November, they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Together they raised two children, Darby and Derek, who were the center of John's world.

John's career in the paper industry took him and his family all over the country – Pittsburgh, PA, Albany NY, Jackson, NJ, Richland, MI, Appleton, WI, before eventually retiring in Tellico Village, TN, – making lifelong friends in every location. They later moved to Wooster, OH to be closer to family in his final years.

An avid golfer, John spent as many weekends as possible on the course with his wife and friends. He and Phyllis loved attending Broadway shows, hosting game nights, and traveling the world. As a devoted sports fan, he rarely missed a game of his beloved Green Bay Packers, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, or the James Madison University Men's Soccer Team.

John was generous. He was actively involved in the Kiwanis Club of Tellico Village for many years, founded the American Youth Soccer Organization, Region 212, in Richland, Michigan, and supported several sports teams by volunteering as a booster.

First and foremost, John was a family man. Always one to show up for his kids and grandchildren, John's love for his family was evident in his blithesome smile. He was his family's biggest cheerleader. Several times John would fly in from business to watch a game or match before returning to his work travels. John always made time to be with his loved ones. He cherished entertaining friends and family and treating everyone to a good meal. He made sure to order famous Baltimore crab cakes, shipping them overnight, to enjoy at family gatherings.

John will be remembered for his dedication to others, his laughter, and his love of the simplest things in life – family, food, and football. Somewhere along the way, John developed a tagline to match his warm spirit – "Smile, the sunshine is good for your teeth."

He leaves behind his wife Phyllis Strine of Wooster, OH, daughter Darby (Greg) Buehler of Wooster, OH, son Derek (Jerry Ann) Strine of Traverse City, MI, and grandchildren Ashley (Seth) Buehler Johnson, Eylie (Jon) Buehler Crudup, Ben Strine, Ian Strine, and Chay Strine, as well as three great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his brother, Leo (Peggy) Strine, sister, Mary (Diane) Strine, sister-in-law's Rose Strine, Ethel Weber, and Ruthie Cougnet, along with several loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and George Fredrick Strine, and brothers Eugene and David Strine.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the team at Westview Healthy Living and Lifecare Hospice, along with friend Allison Graves. We are so grateful for the love and support you have provided over the years.

A memorial and burial with family in attendance will take place in the coming weeks. McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the Westview Healthy Living "Staff Need Fund," 1715 Mechanicsburg Rd., Wooster, OH 44691; The Tunnel to Tower Foundation: www.t2t.org; or to Wooster Ohio Lifecare Hospice, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com