Kenneth Strong's Obituary
Kenneth (Corky) Strong, at age 81, took his last train ride to heaven as he quietly passed away Sunday, September 17, 2023, in the wonderful care of The Hospice of the Western Reserve.
He was born December 15, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio and lived his early childhood in an area of Cleveland known as Old Brooklyn. His teen years were spent in Parma, Ohio where he graduated June 11, 1960, from Parma Senior High School. His first adult job was working for the May Co. for several years. He then changed career direction to working for the Pennsylvania Railroad as a clerk. He continued his career path with Conrail, and then retiring from CSX. There were times when he was very much missed as his job took him from us to work out of town or out of state.
He loved to travel many places by many forms, but trains were his passion. Any chance to hop aboard, he took, right up until his last steam engine excursion last month.
Among trains, his other interests were attending plays at Play House Square, New York City and in Amish Country. These trips allowed him to indulge in his other passions of eating at Yoder's and shopping...shopping...shopping for knick knacks. Ken loves to collect birds, especially cardinals and eagles.
Ken was an avid hockey fan, as he was a season ticket holder from back when the Cleveland Barons played and through all the teams that lead up to and including the Cleveland Monsters.
After retiring he moved back to Ohio to enjoy the rest of his life in Bay Village. Here another passion was enjoyed by adoring his yard with quite of an array of colorful flowers. His many great, great nieces and nephews kept him very busy with many band and sports events to always keep his life full and entertained.
Throughout his life the most important constant was his great love for animals. Mostly four-legged, fury friends and an aquarium or two.
Preceding Kenneth in death were his father, Arthur Strong, mother Dorothy (Hooper) Strong and his brother, Charles Strong (Loretta D'Amato).
Surviving him is his niece, Denise (Strong) Hlavacik (Kenneth), 1 great nephew, 3 great nieces, 4 great-great nephews, and 2 great-great nieces as well as many, many cousins.
Half of his ashes will be interned at Sunset Cemetary privately and the other scatter over his favorite railroad tracks.
What’s your fondest memory of Kenneth?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kenneth?
Share a story where Kenneth's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kenneth you’ll never forget.
How did Kenneth make you smile?
