Richard W. Strong

Was born May 13, 1953 in Elmira, the son of the late Gerald and Mildred (Towner) Strong Sr. passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at the age of 59. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Bonnie (Randall) Strong; daughter, Tabetha (Robinson) Kelsey; granddaughter, precious one, Tiffany Ronan; grandson, right hand man, Nathaniel Kelsey; sisters, Carol Martin and Susan (Robert) Allen; brothers, Gerald (Sherrill) Strong, James (Penny) Strong and Joseph (Susan) Strong; mother-in-law, Marti McKown and her children, Terry (Lynda), Dana (Roxanne), Debbie (Scott) and Sandra (John); and all of his nieces and nephews. Rick proudly served in the United States Navy and was retired as a Lieutenant with the New York State Department of Corrections. His love for family, friends and his hunting crew will never be forgotten. Rick was preceded in death by his younger brother, Jack Strong who just passed away April 21, 2013. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira/Southport, NY on Sunday, May 5, 2013 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM and 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The Chemung County Veterans Honor Squad will accord Military Honors to Rick following the visitation at 7 PM, then Reverend David Sullivan will then honor the life and celebrate the memory of him following the Military service. Private interment services will be held in the Woodlawn National Cemetery at the convenience of his family. His family will provide their own flowers. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association or to the Elmwood Baptist Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Rick's guestbook may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com