Emory B. Strilkauskas was born June 8, 1937, in Oakville, CT, to Bronislaus and Della (Austin) Strilkauskas. He was predeceased by his brothers, Robert and George. He grew up in Waterbury and raised his own family in Terryville, CT. On February 7, 2020, Emory passed away peacefully at his home in Southington surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with cancer.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Doris (LeDuc)Strilkauskas of Southington, CT his children; Darlene and Mario Hurtado, Deborah Strilkauskas, Doreen and Thomas Donnelly, Dawn and Michael Ganem, Emory and Denise Strilkauskas, Doris and Kevin Medina, and Donna and Darryl Wright. He had 14 grandchildren; Makenzi & Chantal, Amy, Alivia & Alexandra, Sophie, Emily, Emory & Sarah, Lance & Carter, and Luke, Jack & Owen, as well as 7 great-grandchildren who adored their GGpa, numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and countless others who called him Grandpa or Uncle Em.
Emory was a gentle soul and decent man in every sense of the word. In his lifetime he served God, his country, and his family. He and his wife instilled these values of family, faith, and friendship in their children. Those who knew Emory will remember his smile, twinkling eyes and his eternal faith. He was a lector and Eucharistic minister at St. Casimir's Church in Terryville and Our Lady of Hope, in Port Orange, FL. He served in the United States Navy, was a past Grand Knight, and 4th degree Knight, of the Terryville Knights of Columbus Council 1090, and a member of the Port Orange Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was a hydraulic engineer for Vicker’s Inc., Noranda Metals, Ansonia Brass & Copper, and C.C. Hydraulics.
Emory cherished his lifelong partner and best friend Doris. They enjoyed their time with their family camping, fishing, and going to the beach. Many weekends in the summer they hosted family picnics where Emory presided over the pool, the grill, and setback games with a poker face. He was an accomplished bargain hunter and surprised his wife quite often with the best deal ever on a new car!
After raising their family in Terryville the couple retired to Port Orange where they made many friends, found a new church family, and enjoyed fishing at Ponce Inlet. Emory was a great handyman, a better dancer, and a true mentor to all. Friends would call him family and strangers were always invited into his home. He was a wonderful man who is now in God’s hands.
A Mass will be held at 10 am, Friday, February 14th, 2020 at St. Casimir Church, Terryville, CT followed by a Celebration of Life at Nuchie’s Restaurant in Bristol, CT. A mass will also be celebrated at Our Lady of Hope in Port Orange, Florida at a later date. A Military Honors burial will take place on June 6, 2020 at the State Veteran’s Cemetery in Middletown CT.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Colchester Senior Center Making Memories Program, 95 Norwich Avenue, Colchester, CT 06415.
