J. William Strott

J. William “Bill” Strott passed away at home with his family by his side on Tuesday, March 19, 2013. Bill was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, one of seven children. He served his country training to be a fighter pilot in the Marine Corps in World War II, which had a profound impact on him. Bill graduated from Duke University in 1951. He was a letterman in lacrosse for three years. Bill started his 41- year career with Merrill Lynch as an account executive in Toronto, Canada. He subsequently worked in Allentown, PA, Boston, MA, New York, NY, and Plainsboro, NJ. He married his beloved wife, Kathleen, in 1965. They settled in Summit in 1975, after first living in Boston and Wellesley, MA. Bill served his community through numerous civic organizations, including Sage Eldercare, St. Teresa of Avila Parish, and he was active in the Summit youth lacrosse program. He was a parishioner at St. Teresa of Avila for 37 years. Bill was a member of Canoe Brook Country Club and was an avid golfer. He also loved to play Scrabble, to watch Duke basketball and lacrosse games and to listen to jazz and classical music. Bill is survived by his wife, Kathleen and his four children, Bill and wife Debbie Strott of Syracuse, NY, Andy Strott and wife Hochin Chung of New York, NY, Julie and husband Louis Linquata of Berwyn, PA, and Elizabeth Strott of New York, NY. Bill was a loving granddad to his 10 grandchildren, Matthew, Meredith and Justin Strott; Andrew, Hannah, Peter and Daniel Strott; and Michael, Will and Charlie Linquata. Bill is also survived by his brother, Tom and wife Jo Strott of Roswell, GA, sisters-in-law Catherine Strott of Catonsville, MD, Peggy Strott of Baltimore, MD and Mary Lucia Strott of Stevonsville, MD, as well as many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Bill lived his life with integrity, patience and deep faith. He loved plays on words and jokes, yet he was always a true gentleman. Forever optimistic, Bill was dearly loved by his entire family and many friends, and his kindness and love for them knew no limits.