With sadness we share the news of the death of the Rev. William Henry Strain, 88, on November 9, 2016 at his home in Boynton Beach, FL. He had served as Rector of Calvary Church in Summit for 25 years. A Memorial service will be held in Palm Beach on December 13, 2016; another service will be held at Calvary, Summit on Friday, April 28, 2017 at a time to be announced.
Raised in Nutley, NJ, William served in the Army Air Force, graduated from Hobart College, attended the Graduate School of Princeton University and graduated from General Theological Seminary. He served as Vicar of St. Michael’s, Wayne before serving at Calvary, Summit. At the diocesan level, he also served on the Department of Missions, the Department of Christian Education, President of the Standing Committee and helped to establish an Episcopal retirement community. After his retirement he actively participated as a volunteer priest in the Church of Ireland.
His community activities included President of the Board of Directors of the Lakeland Guidance Center, President of the Summit Interfaith Clergy, President of the Summit Rotary Club, Board member of Our House, Inc. and President for Acacia Villas of Delray Dunes.
William is survived by his beloved wife, Phyllis; daughter Susan Strain and her husband Stephen; daughter Sarah King and her husband David; and grandchildren Rebecca Bruno, Emily Strain, Olivia King and Nicholas King. He is predeceased by his former wife, Nancy Harter.
Condolences may be sent to Phyllis Strain at 4 Acacia Drive, Boynton Beach, FL 33436.
The family request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the National Federation of the Blind.
Good and gracious God, the light of the faithful and shepherd of souls, you sent your servant William to be a priest in your Church to feed your sheep with your word and to guide them by his example; give us the grace to keep the faith he taught and to follow in his footsteps. We entrust him into your unfailing mystery of Love and Hope through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
