Richard G. "Dick" Stranix, 83, of Ridley Park died peacefully on Sept. 20, 2011 at his home.

Born in Philadelphia, Mr. Stranix lived in Ridley Park for 57 years.

Mr. Stranix was a graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes School and St. Joe's Prep, class of 1946. He enlisted in the United States Army after graduation and served in the Army of Occupation in Japan for 2 years. He remained in the Army Reserve until he became disabled in an automobile accident in 1968. He retired as Colonel and Commander of the 817th Replacement Battalion in Upland, PA.

He attended Villanova College for 2 years before being recalled to active service during the Korean Conflict. He received a degree in electrical engineering from the Drexel Institute of Technology in 1957.

He was employed by the International Resistance Company and was an editor of Electronic Industries Magazine at Chilton Company. Following a long recuperation from the car accident, he started a new career as an agent for the John Hancock Insurance Company from which he retired in 1990.

Mr. Stranix was a man dedicated to his faith and country. He was a member of St. Madeline Parish where he was a CCD teacher and lector for many years and Treasurer of St. Kevin's Pioneers Seniors Club. He was a member of many veterans' organizations and Knights of Columbus, Cardinal Dougherty Assembly, Peace Council #4518, 4th Degree. He also served on the Ridley School District War Memorial Committee.

Above all, Dick was a family man. Family and friends knew that they could rely on him in times of need. He was never at a loss for words. He enjoyed the art of conversation especially if accompanied by a glass of scotch. He enjoyed traveling with his family and friends, reading, crossword puzzles and greeting people from his front porch. He was proud to have donated 1 gallon of blood in honor of each grandchild.

He was the son of the late William and Barbara Smyth Stranix and father of the late James "Jimmy" Stranix. He was also predeceased by brothers William, Robert and John Stranix and sisters Marie Ramsden, Ruth Welsh, Elizabeth Schlipf, Barbara Gleeson Stolar and Gertrude Neiheisel.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Frances Crossley Stranix, children Richard Stranix ,Jr.(Deborah), Thomas Stranix(Venee), Susan Schembs(Richard), Jeanne Stranix, Joseph Stranix(Susan) and Margaret Ross(Jerry), 17 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Mass: 11:00 Saturday, September 24, 2011 at The Church of St. Madeline, Penn St. and Morton Ave., Ridley Park.


Visitation: 9:00 to 10:30 AM Saturday at the church.
Burial: Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cardinal Krol Center, 1799 S. Sproul Rd., Springfield, PA 19064 or Taylor Hospice, 300 Johnson Ave., Ridley Park, PA 19078.