Joseph Strong, 71

Joseph “Pops” Strong, 71, of The Villages, Florida, joined his son, Gary, in Heaven on August 4, 2013 after a long illness.

Joe was born September 28, 1941 in Medford, MA to Robert and Margaret Strong. He graduated from Brookline High School in 1959 and attended Boston University.  

Joe was employed at United Parcel Service for over 30 years until he retired in 1995.  

Joe resided in Tewksbury for 30 years where he spent many hours volunteering in Tewksbury Youth Baseball and Hockey before moving to Florida in 2002.  

While in Florida, Joe was an avid horseshoe player and golfer.  He spent most of his time golfing, watching his beloved Red Sox and spending time with his family and friends.

Joe is survived by his wife and best friend of 47 years,  Jean;  his son TJ Strong; his daughter Sheri Geraghty and her husband Tom; his three precious grandchildren, Ryan Patrick, Colin Joseph and Meghan Jean Geraghty.  

Joe is also survived by his sister Peggy Parker and her husband Tom; his brother Bobby and his wife Nerissa; his brother in law Charlie Arbing and his wife Nancy; his brother in law Bob Richards and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. 

Joe was a loving father and husband, an amazing grandfather and a friend to all.  In addition to his parents and his son Gary, Joe was preceded in death by his in laws, Charles and Irene Arbing, his sister in law Gail Richards and his niece Cyndi Richards Kuffel.

Visitation will be Thursday, Aug. 8, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Tewksbury Funeral Home, cor. of 1 Dewey and 975 Main Sts. (Rte. 38) Tewksbury Center.  Funeral services for Joe will begin Friday, August 9, at 11 a.m. from the funeral home followed by a Funeral Mass at noon, in St. William’s Church, 1351 Main St. (Rte. 38) Tewksbury.   

Joe will be laid to rest at the Tewksbury Cemetery. Per Joe’s request, memorial donations may be made to the Cure Starts Now at 10280 Chester Road, Cincinnati, OH  45215 or online at http://csn.donordrive.com/campaign/josephstrong.