TOMS RIVER – Retired coach and teacher Richard P. Strada, who served as mayor and committeeman, passed away on December 30 at the age of 80.
According to his obituary, Strada taught in the social sciences department at Ocean County College, beginning in 1968. He retired as Vice President of Academic Affairs in 2014.
He coached men’s ice hockey, women’s softball, and women’s soccer at the collegiate level and additionally coached ice hockey and soccer at Toms River High School East. He was inducted into the Toms River Schools Hall of Fame in 2006.
As an elected official, he served on the Toms River Township Committee and as mayor. “One of his proudest accomplishments as mayor was helping to build the Winding River Skating Center in Toms River in 1978,” his obituary stated.
In retirement, he enjoyed golfing, gardening, baking with the grandkids and attending their games.
He is survived by brothers Albert and Robert, children Phillip and Michael (Terese), grandchildren Dominic (Lindsay), Meredith, Gianna, Caroline, and Madeline, and great-grandchild Isabella. He also left behind dear friend Janet Hubbs and daughter Whitney Dionne. Strada had a fondness for cats and donated generously to rescues and shelters, and also leaves behind Daisy and Gatsby.
Former Mayor Paul Brush gave his condolences on social media on behalf of himself and his wife Joanne, “He was a great friend who was always there to help. He was my first running mate in 1981 and the rest is history. He did so much for Toms River and OCC as mayor, coach, professor among other accomplishments. He loved sports, especially hockey which he coached locally and at OCC. His accomplishments stretch far and wide. We are deeply sorry and will miss him much.”
The visitation for family and friends is on January 4 from 4-8 p.m. at the Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main Street (Route 9) in Toms River.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in his name to either the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or Calling All Cats Rescues in Toms River.
