Harold George Strom was born to Mary and Harold Strom in Cleveland Ohio on May 13, 1934. Harold grew up and went to school in Cleveland, Ohio and enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War immediately after graduating high school. Harold served his country honorably attached to the 4th division/ USS Talladega for four years as a Naval Frogman. During his tenure in the Navy, aside from his specialized duties, he became a recognized Pre-Olympic swimmer, representing the Navy with distinction. Harold received the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal, and he was honorably discharged in 1957. A few years later he met his wife, Mary, on St. Patrick’s Day. Mary and Harold were blessed with 56 years of love, friendship, companionship and an enduring bond of love that has no earthly boundaries and about which novels are written. Mary and Harold were blessed with four children: Brian, Cathy, Harold, and George, along with ten grandchildren: Paige, Bailey, David, Riley, Kailey, Christopher, Tyler, Hayden, Meghan, and Colleen, and a soon-to-be great-grandchild. Harold was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and tireless provider to his family. He was employed and retired from the City of Tempe in 1999. Harold’s work ethic was unmatched by all accounts and his unparalleled dedication to providing for his family in every way possible left little time for the most unselfish man the world may have ever known to enjoy much personal or free time. In what little time Harold did have for relaxation, he loved spending it fishing with his wife and family…he was a great fisherman. Harold was also a master at cultivating gardens. In the desert of Arizona his “green thumb” was the envy of his family, friends, and neighbors alike. Harold’s greatest joy, other than his wife and children, was his love of Christmas and the spirit of giving. His passion during the holidays was to be surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren and the unselfish act of giving and not receiving. To dad, Christmas was not about what you received, but rather what you could possibly share with the ones you love. The world is blessed to have had most kind, unselfish, giving and hardworking husband and father grace this earth for 84 years. The earth was a better place with Harold on it, and Heaven is a richer, better place with him in it.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 12, 2018 at 10:00am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 20615 E. Ocotillo Rd. in Queen Creek, followed by burial at St. Francis Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th St. in Phoenix.
San Tan Mountain View Funeral Home is helping with arrangements and has requested that any flowers please be delivered to the funeral home no later than 4:00pm on Thursday, October 11. San Tan Mountain View Funeral Home is located at 21809 S. Ellsworth Rd., Queen Creek, AZ 85142. 480-888-2682