Oscar John Strebel

Oscar John Strebel

March 27, 1924 - October 4, 2020

Oscar Strebel was born on March 27, 1924 in the Bronx, New York to Julia Bussinger and Jacob Strebel. After graduating from Morris High School in June 1942, he later became a Radar Communications Technician with Pan American Airlines.

Oscar met his future wife, Rose Gomez, at a dance, where he asked her to join him on the dance floor. They dated, subsequently marrying at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on April 27, 1957. Oscar and Rose moved to North Massapequa, New York where they raised two sons, Paul and Chris, and enjoyed life on Long Island with their children. Eventually, Oscar returned to school while working for Pan American Airlines, and graduated from Adelphi University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Upon receipt of his degree, Pan Am promoted Oscar to Staff Communications Engineer where he worked until 1965. From 1966 to 1980, Oscar worked as an Engineer for Grumman RF Systems in Bethpage, New York. He had a reputation for being the go-to person if anything needed to be fixed. Oscar was an avid reader, and enjoyed building lamps and restoring old radios. He also loved classical music and ballroom dancing, and became an excellent dancer over the years.

Oscar was a dual citizen of the United States and Switzerland, passing on his heritage to his wife, sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. Over the years, Oscar maintained contact with his family members in Switzerland through letters written in German. As avid travelers, Oscar and Rose frequently visited family in Switzerland, and were members of the Swiss Clubs in New York City and Washington, D.C. In 1980, Oscar accepted a position as an Electrical Engineer with Naval Air Systems in Arlington, Virginia. After retiring in 1986, he returned to Long Island with Rose. On one of their vacations, they visited the Seattle, Washington area and Oscar fell in love with Poulsbo, Washington. It reminded him of Switzerland, and he relocated there in 1993, where he resided until he was no longer able to take care of himself. To be closer to family, Oscar moved to Ithaca in February 2017 and resided at Brookdale for over three years. He was dearly loved by the staff there who cared for him.

Oscar passed away peacefully at the Hospicare Residence surrounded by his loving family. He is pre-deceased by his wife, Rose Strebel, and his grandson, Lee Strebel. Oscar is survived by his son Paul and his wife, Leslie, and his son Chris and his wife, Janet, as well as his grandchildren Debra, Sarah, and Jennifer. The family would like to thank Dr. Jander, the staff at Clare Bridge Cottage (Brookdale), and the staff at Hospicare for their loving care and kindness to both Oscar and his family. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to Hospicare of Ithaca or to the Alzheimer’s Association. Burial will be privately held at Calvary Cemetery.