Henry John Stravic, Jr., of Red Bank, NJ, died peacefully on August 25 of esophageal cancer. Throughout his illness, he was surrounded by loving family—his wife of 62 years, Theresa Damasco Stravic; his daughters Gina Stravic (husband Daniel Swass), Rita Jurakovich (William McKenna), and Karen Lake; and grandsons Thomas Swass, John Swass (Brooke), James Swass, and Marco P. Jurakovich. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry John Stravic, Sr. and Stephanie Stampfel. He grew up in Jamesburg, NJ.
A courageous man, Henry served with distinction in the U.S. Navy, earning two Purple Hearts and a Silver Star during the Korean War Battle of Inchon. As modest as he was brave, he rarely spoke of the injuries he suffered or his experiences during his service to our country. He was a member of American Legion Post 127 in Jamesburg. He was also a former member of the YMCA of Red Bank.
He was an accomplished accordion player who had been accepted by Juilliard, and he performed at Carnegie Hall. He had a band that performed for various events in the area. Throughout his life Henry entertained many by singing and playing his accordion and he was a member of the Red Bank Senior Center where he enjoyed singing in the chorus.
Henry worked for 42 years at Spring Lake Golf & Country Club, where he was known for his warmth and sense of humor. These qualities brought him many friends, and he touched many lives. He remained warm, humorous, courageous, and optimistic throughout his illness and even at the end of his life. He was much loved and will be missed by many.
Visitation will be on Thursday, August 30 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 31 at 10 a.m. at St. James RC Church in Red Bank. Burial will follow immediately at St. James Cemetery in Jamesburg. Contributions in his memory may be made to: American Legion Star Post 127, 131 Perrineville Road, Jamesburg, NJ 08831.
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