Obituary of Richard J Strunk

Richard J. “RJ” Strunk, 63, a lifelong resident of Washington, NJ passed away suddenly at home on May 3, 2018.

RJ was born on April 17, 1955 in Wilson, PA to the late James and Helen Strunk.  He was known to many as “RJ” and “Jeff”.  He was a graduate of Warren Hills High School class of 1973.  After graduation, he owned and operated his own excavating company.  By the age of 19 he had saved enough money to purchase his first rental property, and so began RJ Strunk Apartments. Throughout his life, Jeff worked hard but always found time to help others.  Many think of Jeff and recall his first words to them was always, “How can I help you?”  Jeff was a past member of the Washington Township Fire Department and a pump instructor for Warren County Fire Academy for many years.  He and fellow instructor Charlie Wright, traveled all over NJ teaching at fire academies.  He was on the town Council in Washington Township for many years.  He served as Commissioner of Police and on the planning board for many years.  Jeff was a member of the Washington Rotary Club for over 30 years.  He was a big part of the Rotary Dictionary Project and enjoyed giving 3^rd grade students in Washington and the surrounding areas dictionaries.  He assisted with BINGO at Warren Haven nursing home, dressing up as Santa for Warren Haven and the Nutrition Center during the holidays.  Jeff traveled to Tucumcari New Mexico to assist in their Rotary Air Show for several years.  He was a history buff and very proud of his father’s service to our Country.   Always putting others before himself, he helped those in need, often filling oil tanks for families and not accepting reimbursement.   Jeff was a member of the Washington Celebrates America Committee assisting in all aspects of the day’s events.  The Orange crate derby will never be the same without Jeff waving the checkered flag at the finish line.  Jeff volunteered numerous hours even behind the scenes.   He loved to travel and had been all over world.  His favorite destination always being his yearly trip to Barbados with his friends he considered family.  He was an avid golfer and especially enjoyed his annual father / son golf outing in Myrtle Beach that he attended with his nephew Jimmy “The Strunk Boys”.  Some called him the “Teamster” for his ability to control a runaway horse drawn flatbed after all other riders had fallen off.  He was an animal lover, especially his dogs.  He loved to make people laugh and have a good time. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his brother James Strunk Jr.  A sister Susan Frost of England, His adored nephew James R. Strunk and his wife Kim. His great-niece Jaycie and great-nephew Ryder. And many cousins. He also will be sadly missed by his extended family throughout the world.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Saturday, June 9, 2018 from 10-11 AM the United Methodist Church of Washington, 116 East Washington Ave., Washington, NJ 07882 A Memorial service celebrating Jeff’s life will immediately follow at 11:00 AM in the church.

In lieu of flowers donations, may be made in Jeff’s name to: The Washington Rotary Club. C/O the funeral Home. 234. W. Washington Ave. Washington, NJ 07882.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Warren Hills Memorial Home. To send an on-line condolence please visit www.warrenhillsmemorialhome.com.