Jeffrey Lorne Strough, 69, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at Hospice of Jefferson County in Watertown, New York. Green Funeral Home in Gouverneur will be handling final arrangements for Mr. Strough. Per Mr. Strough’s wishes, no funeral will be held.
Jeffrey was born in Gouverneur on June 11, 1951, the son of Frederick and Doris (Wood) Strough. After graduating from Gouverneur High School, Jeff completed two years of study at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, New York . He completed his Bachelors of Arts Degree in Education from SUNY Potsdam where he studied at the Crane School of Music.
Upon completion of his studies, Jeffrey accepted a position as the band teacher at Harrisville Central School. During summer vacations, Jeff played Trombone in Frank Sochi’s Orchestra in Clayton, New York. For a short time, he was a part owner of two music stores, one located in Watertown and the other in Ogdensburg. Unfortunately a fire destroyed the Ogdensburg Store before its Grand Opening occurred.
He then moved to New Hampshire where he lived and worked until returning to the North Country to reside in Syracuse. Jeff worked in retail sales until he retired and came back to live in Gouverneur, until his death from a rare form of cancer.
Those who knew Jeff will remember him as a talented and dedicated musician who played in local bands such as Calico and G. I. Jane.
Besides his love of music, Jeff enjoyed reading, especially about history. He also loved astronomy, stargazing with his telescope, and travel.
Jeffrey is survived by his friend and ex-wife, Julie (Finley) Strough of Gouverneur; his son Steelson Strough and fiancé Kristena Caudle-Studer of Colorado Springs, Colorado; a granddaughter Mia Melinda Strough; a sister Jaqueline “Jackie” Neddo of Schenectady; a niece Louine Kolb of Sackets Harbor and her children Jarrod, Nathan, and Olivia.
Memorial donations in memory of Jeff are encouraged to the Gouverneur Vol. Rescue Squad or Hospice of Jefferson County.