Obituary of J. (Joseph) Bruce Stromgren

JOSEPH BRUCE STROMGREN It is with tremendous sorrow that the family of J. Bruce Stromgren, 78, formerly of Jamestown, announces his passing. Bruce peacefully passed away in his sleep at his residence in Warren, PA the morning of Saturday, December 19, 2009. He was born September 21, 1931 in Jamestown, a son of the late Joseph and Astrid Lundborg Stromgren and attended Jamestown High School, graduating in the top of his class of 1949. He also attended Alfred Extension. Bruce worked briefly for Chautauqua County as a surveyor, for Peck News and then established himself at Supreme Beverages which he took over in the mid 60's. He also served in the US Navy Reserve from 1950-1966 and was honorably discharged as a Radioman First Class. Bruce was an avid community supporter. He was one of the founders of the Jamestown Chapter of Sertoma, a member of the Masonic Temple and Shrine, the local chapter of the Red Cross, president of the Clinton's Ditch Bottlers Association for many years, instructor for Pepsi National, and a generous supporter of Chautauqua Institution, opera and the arts, and numerous local community projects for children. His hard work, perseverance and enthusiasm left a lasting impression on all he came in contact with. He was an excellent golfer winning many championships at Moonbrook Country Club, loved Trap and Skeet, pistol shooting and was a member of the NRA. An avid reader, he also enjoyed road biking with family and friends, photography, flying, scuba diving and traveling to experience all that the world had to offer. He constructed his own golf clubs and dabbled in numerous hobbies such as chocolate, wine and leather craft. Bruce was admired for many things both in business and personal life. His family and friends will miss him terribly. He is survived by two sons: David (Laura) Stromgren of Cantonment, FL and Daniel (Diane) Stromgren of Canton, NY; five grandchildren: Michael (Elaine) Stromgren, Christopher (Michelle) Stromgren, Kristen (David) Stromgren Soler, Sabrina (Darrell) Stromgren Harvell and Jason (Cassandra) Stromgren; and seven great grandchildren: Jay, Alaina, Madison, Olivia, Jonathan, Josie and Kyndall. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife Jeanne Munson Stromgren; second wife, Betty Pickell Stromgren; and an older brother, Paul Stromgren. The family would like to acknowledge all who cared for Bruce and became an integral part of his life following his stroke in 1995. Special recognition is given to Lisa, Ed and John Kaminski and their family of Warren for their care over the last seven years. The funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Donald E. Ray will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home. Email condolences may be made at www.lindfuneralhome.com. The family suggests memorials be made to the Cleveland Clinic, Hospice or the Chautauqua Institution.