Justin Strauss, 88

CRANSTON, R.I. – Justin “Jay” Strauss died May 20 at Briarcliffe Manor. He was the beloved husband of Sandra “Sandy” (Paster) Strauss for 65 years. Born in Providence, a son of the late Allen and Minna (Sharp) Strauss, he was a longtime resident of Cranston and Nantucket. He was the former owner of Eagle Cornice Company for 50 years. Jay was also the former editor for the Jewish Herald. 

Jay was a proud Air Force veteran, serving stateside as a First Lieutenant pilot. He was a graduate and alumni member of University of Pennsylvania, Class of ’54, active with Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity and earned an OPM degree from Harvard University.  Jay was an original member of Temple Sinai, member and past president of the Holocaust Education Center, The Miriam Hospital Governor and member of the Jewish Alliance. He was also a member of JINSA, Newport Naval War College, AOPA, US Arbitration Association and the University Club.  As a skilled pilot, Jay was awarded the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for flight excellence and volunteered with Angel Flights, flying children and adults in need to hospitals across the country.  

He was the devoted father of Lori Smith and her husband, Richard, of Tewkesbury, Massachusetts, and Amy Quinn of Cranston. He was the dear brother of the late Beverly Kwasha. Loving grandfather of Jared, Allison (Jonathan), Matthew (Elizabeth), Eric (Louann), Cristian (Valerie), Ethan and Brett. He was the cherished great-grandfather of Eli, Sophie, Hannah, Kerrin, Ava, Benjamin and Bella. 

Contributions in his memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 245 Waterman St., #306, Providence, RI 02906 or the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906