MONROE TOWNSHIP- JOSEPH CALVIN STRAUB passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at his home surrounded by his wife and daughters. He was 83 years old.
Born in Chicago, IL, to Joseph and Alva (née Bernard). His parents moved the family several times during his childhood. He moved to Kearny, NJ in 1962, before settling down in Monroe Township 51 years ago.
Prior to retiring, he was a tractor trailer driver for Linden Motor Freight in Linden, where he worked for 35 years.
Joseph was a U.S. Army Veteran, having served from 1958-1962 as a Specialist 4th Class Sharpshooter.
He was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception R.C. Church in Spotswood since 1972.
Joseph was predeceased by his parents.
Surviving are his loving wife of 63 years, Lorraine of Monroe Township; his daughters, Alva Nardine and her husband, Michael, of Helmetta; Lisa Gimbut and her husband, John, of Monroe Township, his brothers, Brian Straub and his wife, Kathy, of Bozeman, MT, Larry Straub and his wife, Janet, of Caldwell, ID; his sister, Star Craig and her husband, Ken, of Kansas City, MO, his four grandchildren, Matthew, Michael, Christina and Christopher, along with several nieces and nephews.
Joseph, or 'Cal' as the family called him, loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a young 83 year old who still enjoyed racquetball, softball, pickle-ball, working in his yard and going to the gun range. He was happiest while sitting in his backyard or grilling his famous ribs and burgers for anyone that stopped by.
A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, at The BRUNSWICK MEMORIAL HOME, 454 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 25th, at 10:30 am, at Immaculate Conception R.C. Church, 23 Manalapan Road, Spotswood, NJ 08884. For directions, please visit our "Services" page.
Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Joseph to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284 or www.heart.org or Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital Memorial & Honor Program, 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at www.stjude.org
Even though we were 10 years apart in age and usually living many miles apart, Cal and I enjoyed many memorable times together. We both enjoyed the outdoors so I'll always remember Cal taking me on my first deer hunt in New Jersey and me actually getting a deer. The canoe trip we took down the Delaware River, the small game hunting behind my folk's house in Vermont, the road trip we took together from Colorado to Montana to hunt grouse with my dogs and visit our brother Brian and wife Kathy. Another memorable day was spent driving around Rocky Mountain National Park enjoying the wildlife and scenery. While living in Maine he came up in the fall to visit and went grouse hunting with me. When I was visiting New Jersey we went down to the Jersey shore surf fishing and the time we drove out to Montauk Point to fish for Stripers. I'll never forget those times.
"Your actions were always kind
A generous hand and an active mind
Anxious to please and loath to offend
A loving brother and faithful friend"
And I could not be prouder.
Larry
I had met Mr. Straub back in 2004 after my son met his grandson Matthew in the 3rd grade. We had met at several BBQs at Lisa and John's as well as swim parties at the Straubs. Mr. Straub was always so kind and sweet. He always made us feel welcome. It is a warm memory for me and my family. Sending prayers to the entire family during this difficult time. After I lost my dad, I found comfort in knowing he was with his family and childhood friends. Please know you will see him again. Peace be with you all. Sincerely, Karyn Nufrio-Soto - Bluffton, SC
I have known John, Lisa, Matt, and Christina since childhood. In knowing them, I was lucky enough to meet Mr. Straub.
A family man through and through, Mr. Straub was only a few streets down from their family and I distinctly remember him being at every holiday party, birthday and family event! He was a soft-spoken man, one who was so kind that you were sure to feel welcome. I will always look back on those early summers in his backyard and pool with fond memories - thank you Mr. Straub.
I would like to extend my condolences to his wife Lorraine, the entire family, and friends. Please take comfort in all the experiences and wonderful memories we were all so lucky to share. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Sincerely,
Ryan Nufrio
Visitation
East Brunswick, New Jersey 08816
Service
Spotswood, New Jersey 08884
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