Services Set For 'Fireman Don' Donald Strunck Sr. Of Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Donald H. Strunck Sr., the last living charter member of the East Dover Fire Company and "Fireman Don" to hundreds of Toms River schoolchildren, passed away on Monday. He was 92, according to his obituary from Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home in Toms River.

Visitation and funeral services are Friday and Saturday.

Strunck was born April 14, 1926, in Orange to the late Harry and Hazel Strunck and grew up in Maplewood, then served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Cuba. After his naval service, he became an installer for Western Electric in Asbury Park.

But East Dover Fire Company No. 4, which Strunck helped to form shortly after he moved to Toms River 66 years ago, was an integral part of his life. The fire company expressed its condolences on Facebook when it announced his passing, saying he was the last living charter member and that the company was formed more than 65 years ago. Strunck served as the East Dover fire chief and as the company's president.

Strunck also was a fire commissioner for Dover Township Fire District 1 and taught at the Fire College, then worked for 10 years for the Dover Township Bureau of Fire Prevention as an inspector. He led the Public Education Division and became affectionately known as “Fireman Don” to hundreds of schoolchildren.

"Donald was also a scuba diver and loved to camp. He was a member of Jersey Indians Camping Club. Don’s greatest joy was spending time having fun with his family," his family said in his obituary.

John F. Lightbody, who served as chief of the Dover Township Bureau of Fire Prevention, said he joined the East Dover Fire Company in 1961, during Strunck's tenure as its chief before moving on to the fire commission, where he worked to ensure the firefighters were receiving the proper and latest equipment to fight fires effectively and safely for all involved.

"Don once told me there is three Ps in the fire service, and we don’t forget them: Self PRESERVATION, PRESERVATION of OTHERS and PREVENT FIRE," Lightbody wrote on the East Dover Fire Company post. "Rest easy, Chief, thank you for your guidance over the years."

Marie Mercready, whose husband Jim, is the recently retired chief of the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention, wrote: "He was such an important part of Jim’s life. Such an extraordinary man with a lifetime of service and achievements. #9 will Forever be in our hearts."

Strunck passed awau at Alcoeur Gardens in Toms River. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Yvonne, to whom he was married for 66 years; his cherished children, Donna Strunck, and Donald H. Strunck Jr. and his wife, Veronica, of Manahawkin; and two wonderful grandchildren, Christopher and Alicia.

Visitation will be Friday, Oct. 19, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main St., Toms River, NJ 08753. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Toms River.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to East Dover Fire Co. #4 in Toms River in memory of Donald.

Photo published with permission of the family, via Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home