Rudolph L. Strekel

My dad, Rudy L. Strekel, has gone fishing. Rudy passed on September 16th in his sleep. Some might wonder why the euphemism "gone fishing" but if you knew my dad you know he was always thinking and pondering life, as if in a boat on Oneida Lake with a fishing pole in his hand. When I got married, our father-of-the-bride dance was to Bing Crosby and Satchmo's "Gone Fishin'." It was a beautiful moment with my dad and continues to this day to be one of my favorite memories.

Born in 1934 he lived a robust and energetic 87 years. Based in Central square, NY he was best known as Mr. Strekel the music teacher in the central square school district. He went to college for music and teaching and was part of a 1950s band playing trumpet, piano and other instruments; he was gifted on so many instruments. After the close of his teaching career, he continued to teach private piano lessons. But he was more than just a teacher…

He had a hunger and curiosity for learning; he was a voracious reader, consuming books on religion, science, philosophy and much more. All his life he sought knowledge and conversations with a wide variety of people on many topics. His yearning for knowledge also took him to coin collecting and rock hounding, something his parents passed along to him.

Rudy is survived by his daughter, Susan, his granddaughters Dylan and Morgan and our life-long family friend Thomas Clinton. We are honoring my dad's request for a quiet and reflective end to his time on earth by memorializing him privately.

If you would like to provide remembrance please consider donating in his name to the ASPCA, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.aspca.org/donate).