IN MEMORIAM:  Arthur C. Strong 91;

Delivered Oil, Then Meals On Wheels

MILFORD – Arthur C. Strong, 91, of Milford, passed away early Friday morning, Oct. 11, 2019, at his home in the Town of Westford.

He was born May 21, 1928, at Parshall Hospital in Oneonta, a son of Milo and Florence (Wood) Strong.

Art attended kindergarten at the Bugbee School in Oneonta, then the Middlefield School No. 2 in Westville, and graduated from Milford Central School with the Class of 1946.

During his school years he was a member of the Boy Scout Troop in Westville that was led by T. Fulton Patterson, scoutmaster.

On July 19, 1952, Art married Bernice E. Virtell in Pennsylvania, and they settled into their home in Milford.

For many years, he drove fuel oil delivery trucks for Agway and Beart Corp. After retiring from the oil business Art delivered Meals On Wheels in Otsego County for many years. He also enjoyed the many hours he spent working in his gardens.

Art is survived by six children, Lewis Charles Crawford of Rineyville, Ky., Evelyn Marie Lacey and husband, William, of Vine Grove, Ky., Robert Arthur Strong and wife, Laurie of Milford, Vickie Leah Konchar of Town of Maryland, Michael Brian Strong and wife, Sandy, of Milford, and Carla Maureen Strong, Town of Maryland; 19 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; one sister, Helen Southworth of Cooperstown; two sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Virtell of Milford and Judy Virtell of New Jersey;  and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Bernice E. Strong, who died May 23, 2017, and a sister, Edna Schaffer.

Art’s family wishes to extend special thanks to his caregivers, Jess, Sean and Amanda.

The family will receive friends at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut St., Cooperstown, from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20.

The funeral service be at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 21, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown, with Rev. Sylvia Barrett, pastor of the Milford United Methodist Church, officiating.  Burial will follow in Westville Cemetery.

As an alternative to flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Milford United Methodist Church, PO Box 127, Milford, NY 13807, or the Milford Emergency Squad, PO Box 359, Milford, NY  13807.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.