Obituary: Richard Alexander Strempski, 80, Of Danbury

Information and Photo Courtesy Green Funeral Home

DANBURY, CT — Richard Alexander Strempski, 80, passed away in the evening of Aug. 24, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. He reunited with the love of his life, his wife, Sharon Irons Strempski, who predeceased him in 2007.

He was born in Buffalo, NY on July 26, 1943, the son of the late Vincent and Julie (Bielanski) Strempski. As a youth, he was active in the Boy Scouts, earning the highest award as an Eagle Scout. He attended the State University of NY at Buffalo, focusing his studies on physics, mathematics, and electrical engineering.

Professionally, Richard worked as a lead engineer for all types of projects over many years, securing at least one individual patent. His work encompassed several classified projects, which included the Hubble Space Telescope. He started his work at Perkin Elmer and retired from Data Strip Inc in 2009.

Richard and Sharon married in 1967 and settled in Danbury, where they made their home. Together they took many trips to Europe for both pleasure and to show their award-winning Affenpinschers that they bred and treasured. They showed their dogs and won many ribbons and awards. He was active in the Newtown Kennel Club in various board positions. Aside from involvement in dog associations, he loved opera, which he attended with his loved ones and friends. Richard also loved learning new information that included the German language, historical events, religions, and the arts.

Richard and Sharon met Glenn and Linda Jackson at the Silvermine African Violet Society in the early 1970s. This led to a life-long friendship that resulted in the Jackson children becoming his chosen family. It was these loved ones that surrounded “Uncle Dick” as he left this earthly realm. Left to cherish his memory are Margaret Jackson of Waterbury, Katie Jackson of Danbury, Sarah Lynn Jackson of Danbury, Douglas Otto Jackson of Middletown, and Vicki Jackson of NY. In addition are several chosen “grandchildren” including Kaitlynn Jackson-Slocum of NJ, Jacob Arrowitz of New Milford, Alarra Quinn of NY, Adelia Safford-Jackson and James Jackson of Middletown. Furthermore, Susan Lehner of NY, Sharon’s sister, will miss him dearly. Their weekly conversations helped to sustain a strong kinship.

A memorial service will be held on September 30, 2023 at 11 AM at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church.
In addition of flowers, donations can be made to either Ann’s Place, The Home of I CAN, 39 Old Ridgebury Road, Suite 17, Danbury, CT 06810 or St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 6 Ivy Hill Rd, Ridgefield, CT 06877.