1947 – 2013

TURNER — John “Jack” V. Strong of Hebron, 66, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 3, at his Turner home, surrounded by family and friends.

Jack was born in Lewiston on May 15, 1947, the son of the late Vivan E. and Madora (Gagnon) Strong. He was raised on the family farm in Hebron with his two big brothers. Working on the farm from a very young age, he developed a strong work ethic that continued throughout his life. Growing up surrounded by animals led to a lifelong love of all creatures. He and his fiancée, Annette, cared for “Tom and Peanut,” numerous chickens and wild birds. Bird watching became a source of joy for him once he became bedridden.

He attended Brighton Hill School and Hebron Academy. He graduated from Mechanic Falls High School in 1965, where he enjoyed success on the track and cross-country teams while working part-time.

He began working during the summer of 1963 at Mario’s Ice Cream and Pizza in Naples and Poland, cooking pizzas and making Italian sandwiches, and never stopped. Self-sufficient at an early age, Jack worked in the food industry his entire career, owning and operating a Mario’s restaurant in Gorham during the late sixties. Cancer forced his retirement three years ago, after forty-one years of loyal and dedicated service to Sam’s of Lewiston as chief chef.

His passion and knowledge for collecting and trading antiques was well known. Fueled by his love of anything old and functional, the joy of meeting new people and learning the history behind an antique soon became an obsession with him.

His courageous battle with this disease never dimmed his ability to make people laugh. The home he and Annette shared was often filled with family or friends, who enjoyed the love and laughter that they shared. The door was always open to anyone.

Fulfilling his wish to stay home, Annette became his full-time, loving caregiver until the very end.

Survivors include the love of his life, Annette Norton Paradis of Turner; daughter, Stephanie and grandson, Cirus Strong, of Kentucky; brothers, David and wife, Nancy Strong, of Auburn, and Michael Strong of Union; Russell and Beverly Norton of Auburn; Suzette, Jerry, Rick, Lee and Lucy Norton; Ryan, Greg and Zachary Paradis; granddaughter, Archara Gardiner; nieces, Missy, Kerry, Tiffany, and Tamara; nephews, Andy and Jason; special cousin, Don and his wife, Mel; close friend, Steve; and many other friends.

Jack was predeceased by his parents, Vivan E. and Madora (Gagnon) Strong; friend, Tom Magno; and feline companions, Little Spot and Shadow.

Special thanks are extended to Androscoggin Home Health Care nurses, Jessica, Dave and Tammy, for their wonderful care and support, as well as to Dr. Patsiornik and her staff at St. Mary’s Hospital.