IN MEMORIAM: Joseph S. Strup

Joseph S. Strup, raised on the seminary campus a true son of General, died peacefully on December 31, 2022, his 99th birthday.  Joe was born on December 31, 1923, to Frank, Sr., and Emma Triska Strup. Frank, Sr. was one of General’s earliest Bursars, and Joe’s brother Frank, Jr., was the father of Richard Strup who until recently served on our Board of Trustees. The ambo in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd was a gift of the Strup family.

Strup spent his childhood summers at Lake Delaware Boys’ Camp in Delhi, NY. He attended Stuyvesant High School, Trinity School, and Colby College prior to serving in the Army Air Corps during WWII. He lived in Hampton, VA, for 58 years, prior to moving to The Chesapeake in Newport News in 2003. He enjoyed a long and distinguished career as Director of Civilian Personnel at Langley Air Force Base prior to retirement.

Strup is survived by his wife of 73 years, Mary Virginia (nee Peake,) his children, Thomas (Linda) of Smith Mountain Lake and Douglas (Molly) of Williamsburg, his grandchildren, Jeff (Lindsay), Peter (Rachel), Sarah (Billy), Daniel (Bridgette), and Lauren, as well as ten great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his siblings, Helen Strup Baker as well as Frank Strup, Jr.

Joe loved spending time with his family, gardening, fishing, playing cards, and watching old movies. He was always a gentleman and known for his friendly and congenial manner. He served on the vestry at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Hampton, as a Hampton Library volunteer, and as President of the Resident Council of The Chesapeake. He was also a member of the Hampton Roads Assembly, Hampton Yacht Club, and a founder of the Funny Farm at The Chesapeake.  Joe was an avid tennis player into his 90’s. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and other residents of The Chesapeake.

A funeral service was held at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 100 W Queens Way in Hampton, VA, on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 11:00AM.