John Douglas Strong

John Douglas Strong, age 78, died in his home in Brandywine, MD on May 24, 2016. God called him home early Tuesday morning after losing the fight with liver cancer. He was diagnosed in February of 2016, and was informed that he had it for quite some time. The tumor had metastasized to his brain, taking his ability to open his eyes and see. He went through one surgery to remove the tumor near/in his brain and one round of radiation, but unfortunately the disease was too far advanced for doctors to be able to aide in anyway. At this point he decided that he didn't want to spend his remaining time in a hospital, and arrangements were made to allow him to live out his days at home with his family. John was born March 8, 1938 in Washington, D.C. to George and Dorothy Strong. He was the one of five brothers. He served eight years in the United States Marine Corps; enlisting in July of 1956, and honorably discharged in July of 1962. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Dorothy. John and Dorothy met because John crashed a party Dorothy was attending. One of John's friends asked Dorothy to dance, but he didn't meet her requirements, so she turned him down. John on the other hand did; Catholic, tall, blonde hair, blue eyes, and older than her (or at least she thought). They married at the age of 21 in February of 1959. They had four children, and raised them in the Maryland area. John was a kind-hearted, loving man who, while he told you "No," at first just because he could, did what he could to help his family and anyone truly in need. He loved the Washington Redskins, and was a season ticket holder since the Skins were at Griffith Stadium. He went to two super bowls with the Skins, taking his daughter Sandra to one, and his daughter Jennifer to another. He was also a big fan of the Washington Nationals and the Washington Capitals; religiously watching their games from the comfort of his living room with his wife and great-granddaughter, Carmen. He is survived by: His wife of 57 years: Dorothy Strong, His brother: Joseph Strong, His four children and their spouses: Sandra Hodges, John and Meretta Strong, Steven and Denise Strong, and Jennifer Strong, His seven grandchildren: Travis, Chris D., Chris K., Kevin, Britni, Brandi, and Lyndsi, And his five great-grandchildren: Jacob, Caleb, Carmen, Will, and Kaylynn. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to cancer research at The Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, 750 E. Pratt St, Suite 1700, Baltimore, MD 21202 or kimmelqiving@jhmi.edu. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John Douglas Strong please visit our Sympathy Store.