Obituary of Alfred H. Strack

Champlain - Alfred H Strack, 87, of Champlain, NY died Wednesday, July 2, 2014, at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh. He was born in Plattsburgh on July 4, 1926 the son of the late Henry and Oriss Strack. Al was a lifelong resident of Champlain and was active in many community organizations, including a troop leader for the Boy Scouts, Honorary member of Niagara Hose Company # 1, Commander of American Legion Post # 767 in Champlain, President of the North Country Golf Club, Champlain Valley Wood Carvers, Charter member of Champlain Rescue Inc, Champlain Federal Credit Union Board of Directors, the Clinton County Industrial Development Agency, St. Mary's Parish Council, Charter Member of Champlain Knights of Columbus Council # 3525, BPO Elks Lodge 621, Champlain VFW and several other civic organizations. Al was a proud World War II Veteran serving in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946. He served on the USS Leon APA 48 in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater and on the USS Washington BB56 battleship. Al had a passion for hard work. Starting at Sheridan "the shop" in 1947, Al began his career as a patternmaker in the foundry and through hard work and dedication he increased his responsibility and made significant contributions to the progress of the plant that allowed the company to produce products for worldwide distribution. Al "Red" as he was known, used his mechanical ability while at Sheridan to pursue his degree in mechanical engineering. Al was promoted to Plant Manager of Harris Corporation in September of 1976 and until his retirement he was known for being a positive influence on countless people by offering them not only a job, but also the same opportunities that he was awarded and mentored them during their entire career. He was fair, but stern, and well respected for his diplomacy. . His greatest devotion came from being a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Survivors include; two daughters, Betty Trombley and her companion Ron Favreau of Champlain and Dolores Grimsey and husband Robert of Wasaga Beach Ontario Canada; and one son, Kevin Strack and wife Nicky of Mooers; five grandchildren, Chris Trombley and wife Tammy of Champlain, Karen Gurzenda and husband Tom of Winsted Connecticut, Nichole Favreau and husband Michael of Mooers, Rachel Hunt and her husband Leroy of West Chazy and Joshua Strack of Clearwater Florida; and great - grandchildren Katie, Caleb, Irelyn, and Mason. Two sisters-in-law Shirley Coulumbe of Champlain and Ruth Strack of Balston Spa, NY. Al is pre-deceased by his wife of 57 years, Grace who died in 2004. Al was the last remaining brother of the Strack brothers in Rouses Point who have pre-deceased him including, Lawrence "Sarge", Phil, Paul and Arthur. Calling hours will be held on his final birthday Friday, July 4 from 3 to 7 at M.B. Clark Funeral Home, 196 Elm St., Champlain, NY. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday, July 5th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 86 Church Street, Champlain. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery on Prospect Street with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Champlain EMS Building Fund PO Box 837, Champlain, NY 12919. To light a candle by sharing a thought, memory or condolence, please visit the family's obituary online at www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com.