November 16, 1939 — November 4, 2023
Joseph H. Strob Sr. of Reading passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, November 4, 2023. He is 83 years of age.
Born on Thursday, November 16, 1939, in Somerville, Joseph is the loving son of the late William Strob and Olive (Coleman) Strob. Joseph is a warm, kind, and loyal son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend who will be deeply missed.
Joe was a devoted husband and father who loved spending time with his family and always took care of Edith when she became ill. He loved playing 45s and Cribbage with her, Jay, and Eric, as well as other family members and friends on Saturday nights.
Joe had many hobbies. He enjoyed working on his boats, including one named the “Grandkids 6”. He also enjoyed fishing and went every Wednesday with his brother-in-law and many other trips to fish in various spots, including the ocean.
The hobby he loved most, though, was working on cars. He worked as an auto mechanic for many years, as well as spending countless hours working on his own vehicles. He loved going to car shows and watching races on TV every Sunday.
Joe had a deep love for helping others, and upon retiring from being an auto body mechanic, he drove for EMARC to give back to his community. He assisted special needs and handicapped adults with rides to appointments, work, and various locations.
Joe was a devoted grandfather who loved to spoil his grandchildren. He shared many of his hobbies with them, but a favorite was taking them to Joe’s Playland at Salisbury Beach. Joe and his family created beautiful lasting memories at the Salisbury Beach Reservation, where he loved to camp each summer. The family also enjoyed camping in many other spots over the years.
Joe also shared a deep love for Christmas time. His house was always full of decorations and cheer around the holidays, hosting an annual Christmas Eve party and, of course, lighting a path for Santa.
Joseph is the beloved husband of Edith (Smith) Strob. He is the devoted father of Joseph Strob Jr. and his wife Deana, Eric Strob and his wife Lauren, and the late Sandra Zarella. The cherished grandfather of Madison, Devin, Kelley, Katie, Boston, and Bella Strob, Nicole Zarella, Valerie Brander, Samantha Guarniero, and Robert Zarella, he is the dear brother of Bill Strob, Ruthann Sampson, Jack Strob, and the late Tim Strob and Naomi Landry. Joseph is also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, great-grandchildren, and friends.
A Funeral Service Celebrating Joseph’s Eternal Life will be held on Saturday, November 11th at 1 p.m. in the Doherty – Barile Family Funeral Home, 11 Linden Street READING. Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with Joseph’s Family prior to the Service beginning at 10 a.m. Parking attendants and elevator are available. Interment Charles Lawn Memorial Park, Reading.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Joseph’s memory to The Alzheimer’s Association,225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
