John B. Strait Jr., 83, of Camillus, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 2, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. John fought a hard and courageous battle with cancer.
John was born in 1937 in Syracuse to the late Benjamin and Marie Strait. He graduated from Camillus High School and attended Hobart and Cortland College. John served in the US Army and worked at OCWA for over 30 years. After retirement, he worked as a ranger at the Westvale Golf Course. He was a lifetime member and past president of the Fairmount Fire Dept. and was a past exalted ruler of the Camillus Elks Lodge #2367.
After retirement, John loved spending time with his family and good friends. He enjoyed having coffee with his buddies at Fairmount Fire House and his beloved dog, Bailey. He spent his summers in Inlet with family and winters in Florida with close friends.
John was predeceased by his parents, Benjamin and Marie; and nephew, Frederick “Ricci” Strait.
Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Julie; sons, Jeff Strait, Greg (Jackie) Strait and Brett (Emily) Strait; daughter, Pamela DeJohn; grandchildren, Ashley, Brooke, Caitlyn, Brady, Rachel, Madison, Scott, Benjamin and James; great-granddaughters, Mia, Olivia and Kali; brother, Fred (Patricia) Strait; and nephew, Jay Strait.
The family would like to thank John’s special caregivers at Upstate Cancer Center Infusion Dept., the Fairmount Fire Dept., and personal caregivers, Char, Kimberly and Kari. A special thank you to John’s wonderful neighbors and friends.
Relatives and friends may call Tuesday, April 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. Face coverings are required.
Services will be Wednesday, April 7 at 10 a.m. in St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 5108 W. Genesee St., Camillus. John will be laid to rest in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Fairmount Fire Dept., 4611 W. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13219 or to the Camillus Elks Lodge #2367, 6117 Newport Rd., Camillus, NY 13031.