Peter Strand

GLENMONT - Peter George Strand, 81, entered into eternal peace suddenly on Saturday, March10, 2012 at St. Peters Hospital and Hospice surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 28, 1931 in Catskill, New York. He was a foundling who was lovingly adopted when he was two years old by his parents Karl Magnus Strand (Germany) and Elsie Bareiss Strand (Germany). He was predeceased by his devoted wife of 49 years, Margaret Joyce Hunt Strand (Joyce), who was the love of his life. He is survived by his two children, Carrie M. Strand Donahue and Karl John Strand, and his five grandsons - Sean Peter Donahue, 21; Peter Michael Strand, 19; Kyle Patrick Donahue, 19; Craig Stewart Strand, 17; and Nicholas Hunt Strand, 15. He is also survived by his loving nieces, nephew, grandnieces, grandnephews, great grandniece, great grandnephew and many, many friends. Peter grew up in Cedarhurst, New York and graduated from Lawrence High School. During his teen years, he was recognized for his efforts on the WWII homefront. He attended Springfield College where he studied Physical Education until the passing of his father when he transferred to Adelphi University to be closer to his mother and graduated with a degree in Psychology. He then entered the Army and served in Germany before being honorably discharged. Upon his discharge he enrolled in Columbia University where he earned his Master's degree in Social Work. While at Columbia, Peter met and married Joyce in 1957. Peter began his career in Social Work with the YMCA. After receiving his master's degree he worked for the Rhode Island Council of Community Services, Family and Children's Division where he and his family lived for 7 years. In 1966, Peter and his family moved to Glenmont, New York after he took a position with the New York State Office of Mental Health. He retired from OMH as the Deputy Director of Children's Services. Peter was a talented artist and woodworker. He was an avid Giants, and Brooklyn Dodgers fan, enjoyed playing basketball and loved fishing. His genuine passion was golf. Upon his retirement, he took over as president of Colonial Acres Golf and held that position for 20 years. Peter loved music, especially classical and jazz and was a percussionist. Peter was also was very involved in his church. He was a member of the choir at the Delmar United Methodist Church and held the position of trustee at the Slingerlands United Methodist Church. Joyce and Peter spent many memorable times together enjoying the theater, taking pleasure dining at new and favorite restaurants as well as traveling, and they loved to dance. Peter was liked by everyone he met. He had many lifelong friends and made friends everywhere he went. He had an infectious personality that put everyone at ease. All who met him truly enjoyed his company and his memorable sense of humor. He was a true gentleman. His smile, caring heart and willingness to sacrifice his own needs for others were his most enduring qualities. He had cherished personal and family values that he exulted to, and personified through out his life. Family was of the utmost importance to Peter and he valued family traditions. He was devoted to Joyce and his children and took great pride in his family and their accomplishments. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the Bethlehem EMS, the doctors and nurses at St. Peter's ER and St. Peter's Hospice. Calling hours will be on Saturday, March 17, 2012 from 12 to 3 pm at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. A service will immediately follow at 3pm at the funeral home. Contributions may be made in his memory to the Slingerlands Methodist Church or Heifer International at www.heifer.org.