ROSWELL—Deacon John S. Strachan of Roswell died on Feb. 10. He was 77 years old. 

He grew up in Bridgeport, Connecticut, then joined the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. Leaving the service, he pursued a career at Sikorsky Aircraft. Later Deacon Strachan took a job at Premier Roofing. An unfortunate event caused his paralysis, but rehabilitation led him to a career at GE Capital as senior program analyst. His job at GE Capital brought about a move to Roswell for his family and to finding St. Thomas Aquinas Church.  

Deacon John Strachan

His involvement in the church led him to the permanent diaconate. He retired from GE Capital and remained active in the church for many years. During that time, he and his wife traveled around the United States. His favorite place to be was snowmobiling in Montana. 

Deacon Strachan is preceded in death by his parents, James and Grace Strachan, and his brother, William Strachan. He is survived by his loving wife Joy Strachan; son and daughter-in-law, John and Molly Strachan of Atlanta; daughter and son-in-law, Heather and Mitchell Jones of Gainesville; grandchildren Jessica Lange, Kalen Clevenger, Shelby Strachan and Ryan Jones; great grandchild Anthony Clevenger; brother-in law and sister-in law Patrick and Jeanne Cocchiarella; nieces Carrie Allen and Tara Barreira; and nephews James Strachan, Robert Strachan and Patrick Cocchiarella. 

The Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated Feb. 21 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Alpharetta. Interment was at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton. 

Memorial donations can be made to Toni’s Camp–Father Kelly Fund and mailed to: Disabilities Ministry, ATTN: Maggie Rousseau, 2401 Lake Park Drive SE, Smyrna GA 30080.