Cochran Funeral Home - Funeral Services

Mal L. Strowbridge

Died: Jul 20, 2019

Mal Lewis Strowbridge passed into eternity on Saturday, July 20th, 2019. He was born in Newton, New Jersey on October 28th, 1947 to Ken and Laura Strowbridge of Hackettstown, New Jersey. Mal was a lifelong resident of Hackettstown, a 1967 graduate of Hackettstown High School.

He was employed as a shipping manager at Elastimold Corporation for many years before retiring in 2006.

Mal married Priscilla Sweatt of Newton, a nurse.

A proud member of the Hackettstown Fire Department's Hose Company, he was also an honorary member of the Hackettstown Rescue Squad in its earlier years.

During his years, he actively participated in drag racing, was a member of the NHRA, and was a loyal New York Yankee fan.

Mal enjoyed being involved with mountain biking with his son, attending competitions, as he was always a supportive father.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed spending time at his lifelong home, raising his children and helping to raise his grandchildren.

In recent years, he spent a great deal of time interacting with old friends as well as new, whether on social media, over a cup of tea at the local diner, or reminiscing about the days of old at a friends garage.

Known by all as a simple and kind man, Mal professed his faith in Jesus Christ at the time of his baptism, many years ago. In recent years, he had faithfully attended Christ Baptist Church with his family.

Mal is survived by his wife Priscilla, of 46 years, and his three beloved children, sons Kyle, Jared, daughter Sheila and her husband William Wiles III, granddaughters Malorie Skye Wiles, Brielle Renee Strowbridge, and grandsons Logan Wiles and Wyatt Wiles, Sister-in-Law Dorothy Dalley, Niece Diana Gardner and Cousin Deidra Strowbridge.

"When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet."

Proverbs 3:24 KJV

A visitation will be held Friday, July 26, 2019 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840.

A graveside funeral service will be held Saturday, July 27, 2019, starting at 11:00 am at Rockport Cemetery, Rockport Road, Mansfield, NJ with Rev. Derek Makri officiating.

For those wishing to leave online condolences, please visit www.cochranfuneral.com

Condolences:

Peg McConnell

#49

August 3rd, 2019 4:27 pm

Dear Strowbridge family, I am sorry to hear of Mel's passing, I knew Mel through my daughter Gail they went to school together My deepest sympathy to all, and know that he will rest in the hands of the Lord and walk on golden streets in Heaven

Yevheniya Svyda

#48

July 27th, 2019 10:10 pm

Dearest Strowbridge Family, We are so sorry for your loss. We know your hearts are broken and there are no words to ease your pain. May memories of happier times shared with Mal sustain you through this most difficult time. With our condolences and deepest sympathy. Love Svyda's family

Jon Lombardo

#47

July 27th, 2019 9:43 am

Though I never met Mal, you must have been a great man, as you raised a great guy in Jared. I’m sorry for your loss.

Mela Schulaka

#46

July 26th, 2019 11:23 pm

I met you in the late 60s and was blessed to be able to get back in touch with you via facebook after I moved to Florida. You have always been one of the most loving and kindest person I have ever known. I so enjoyed our morning messages reflecting on the good old times past and present. RIP my dear friend Love always Mela

Michele Risley

#45

July 26th, 2019 9:00 pm

Strowbridge Family With deepest condolences of the passing of Mal. May God give you the strength and courage to keep going Forward. Treasure and keep on to all the great memories. I’ve know your family a very long time but when I read what was written about I learned some things. What an amazing man. RIP. Sorry Jim and I can not be there with your family and friends but you are in my thoughts and prayers!

Michele Risley

#44

July 26th, 2019 8:59 pm

Michele Risley

#43

July 26th, 2019 8:58 pm

To Mal

#42

July 25th, 2019 3:38 pm

Hi Mal, you and my Mom can have a good talk now Because you'll be able to hear each other now. You'll Knew what she saying and she will understand what you are saying. You will be well miss by everyone who know you. You were a special person Mal. I'm glad I had a chance to know you. Thanks for being a good friend. Shirlene Werkheiser

To Mal

#41

July 25th, 2019 3:37 pm

I'm glad I had a chance to knew you. You are a special person. Mal you had a way about you that just made you smile when you talk to you. You just make people smile. I will miss your smiling face at church Mal but you'll always be in my memories. Thanks for being a good friend. Shirlene Werkheiser

Shirlene Werkheiser

#40

July 25th, 2019 3:11 pm

Donna & Bill Welsh

#39

July 25th, 2019 8:28 am

Strowbridge Family, we have so many memories of Mal, where do we begin. A great friend, we share in your time of grief and sorrow. May God surround your family with his grace, peace and love. You're in our thoughts and prayers.

LINDA KEGGAN

#38

July 25th, 2019 12:20 am

I first met Mal on facebook a few years back, then it came time our church picnic, I got my food walked over to where he was sitting and said Mal? answer yes and you are Keggan right he was, I knew it was game on, I sat down we ate and talked. From that time on he made me feel like we were friends from way back and would remain friends for a long time to come, God had other plans. Mal I will miss talking to you and your post on fb everyday, and all the prayers you put out for all the rest of us. Rest in Peace my friend and God Bless you and your Family.

Christine Occhipinti

#37

July 24th, 2019 7:51 pm

I will miss your daily messages starting my day! You were loved by your many Facebook friends that never actually got to meet you in person.I regret that! It's been a pleasure knowing you all these years. The love you had for your family and friends was immeasurable. May you rest now..watch over us all. May your family find a sense of peace. Take care my friend. Love you! XOXO ❤️

Christopher Zimmerman

#36

July 24th, 2019 7:29 pm

I’m soooo sorry for your loss. Mal you were a great man. When you came across someone’s path you always embraced them with a kind and caring heart. I know Sheila and I were the cause of some of them gray hairs with our bad influence of each other’s behaviors lol. I will miss your call outs on FB. I will miss our chats about racing and trucking. Well it’s now your time to move on to your next job of life and be the best guardian angel for your family that anyone can have. You will be deeply miss here on earth but never missed in our hearts. RIP my dear friend

Priscilla Strowbridge

#35

July 24th, 2019 2:45 pm

“ Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith”- Hebrews 12:1-2 My dearest husband Mal, Between us there is, for now, a great gulf fixed. BUT by Gods grace,”I will see you in the morning”. Your memory will linger forever, especially at “231”. I miss and love you more than words can say. Always your “Best Nurse” “Prilly” xoxo

Mal

#34

July 24th, 2019 2:38 pm

Gramp, I’m still so in shock at the abruptness of you leaving. Gram and I truly miss you and love you. Gram has always loved you the hardest. She has stuck by you through everything. My one prayer is that you heard all of our voices on your last moments with us, as I know how eagerly you wanted to go. We were there, we’ll always be here. You’ve brought our family together in an astounding way, and we yearn to continue to make you proud. You have so many that love you and share such fond memories. Gramp, help me stay strong for gram. As we sit together reading these condolences, what once seemed like vague memories of ours, now turned into vivid and clear ones. I’ll see you soon gramp, from here on out every goal, every shot, and every homerun is just for you. I miss you gramp ❤️

Bob Kunkel

#33

July 24th, 2019 1:46 pm

Lost a great man. He would give ya the shirt off his back. I'm glad I got to see him this last Memorial Day the first time in 30 + years. We had many great times years back double dating and drinking his favorite Yukon Jack. You will be missed by many my friend. God Bless your family and protect and comfort them. Love ya buddy and see ya soon. God Bless †

Kathleen A Damelio

#32

July 24th, 2019 6:20 am

My prayers and thoughts are with the entire family! "God's finger toughed him and he slept" Tennyson

Russell M. Reed

#31

July 23rd, 2019 7:32 pm

Sheila, Kyle and Jared, my prayers go out to you and your mother at this time, with the loss of you father and to the rest of your families. God-Bless.

Devon Colak

#30

July 23rd, 2019 5:57 pm

My deepest condolences to the Strowbridge, Wiles, & Dalley families. Mal was a kind and gentle soul and I’m happy to have had the privilege of knowing him. I pray that the family finds comfort in their loving memories of him during this sorrowful time. Much love, Devon

Maureen Williams

#29

July 23rd, 2019 5:57 pm

Priscilla & Malorie, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers for you and your family. He must have been a great man to have such an amazing granddaughter.

Alicia Guastella

#28

July 23rd, 2019 5:33 pm

Mal, you were a man of few words but had a heart of gold for your family and friends. You had a great laugh and smile. Priscilla and you were such amazing examples of what the wedding vows “for better, for worse” truly meant. You loved and protected me as your own. I’ll miss seeing you watching Jared’s every move while he fixed his bike or a car. I’ll miss seeing on in front of your house on the porch, waving hello. I’ll miss your delicious potato salad. I will miss you but I know I’ll see you in heaven...and that gives me a great peace.

Patricia Riedinger

#27

July 23rd, 2019 4:35 pm

So sorry for your loss. Mal will be well missed. R.I.P .

Paul & Robin Wallace

#26

July 23rd, 2019 3:56 pm

Dear Strowbridge Family My Wife Robin and were so saddened to see you post Sunday of Mal's passing, and enjoyed the video Thursday you posted. We were so thankful that you were able to be with him and share that time with us all. We are praying for you all asking our LORD to comfort as only HE can,through Christ our LORD. GOD Bless you all, and LORD willing see you Friday. In Christ alone Paul & Robin Wallace

Peachie Hartrum

#25

July 23rd, 2019 3:54 pm

My sincere condolences to Mal"s family. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. Mal was a very nice and kind man. I will miss him and his good mornings on Facebook. Prayers and hugs to the family.

Russell Eskow

#24

July 23rd, 2019 3:13 pm

I am so sorry to lose such a wonderful friend. I am very proud to have Mal Strowbridge as a friend since 1955. He always had wonderful things to say about everyone as long as I knew him. He was a great friend is super classmate and a beautiful person to be around and share the good times with. Now he is with family in the hands of God. My prayers are with all his family and wish them the best.

Karin Schardt

#23

July 23rd, 2019 3:08 pm

My deepest condolences to Mal's family. We go back to grammar school & talked about old times in H'town. I will miss your '''Good Mornings" & Good Nights on social media. R.I.P.

Sandra Mazza

#22

July 23rd, 2019 2:42 pm

I am so very very sorry to hear of Mal's passing. I didn't know him personally, but was a friend of his through Face Book. I enjoyed hearing from him just saying hello or good morning. We had mutual friends so I felt as if I had known him personally. I could tell he was a kind person, and I will surely miss his good morning messages. My sincere sympathy to the entire family. God bless him and may he rest in eternal peace. Sandra Mazza

Ethel Lewis

#21

July 23rd, 2019 2:40 pm

So very sad to hear of Mals passing. I've known Mal and Priscilla for a very long time our children were in school together.Mal always had a smile and kind words ,he also liked to joke around with you.He was a great man and a true American. I'm going to miss our daily Good Mornings on Facebook,and Good Nights as well. My heart felt condolences to Priscilla and the family. Godspeed Rest in Peace dear friend ,until we meet again.

Alan and Annemarie Austin

#20

July 23rd, 2019 2:32 pm

Dear Sheila and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers.

Nick & Connie Bencivengo

#19

July 23rd, 2019 2:16 pm

We are so sorry hearing of Mal's passing, prayers for the family. R.I.P. Mal

Tina omeara

#18

July 23rd, 2019 1:47 pm

So sorry for your loss kyle thinking of tou and your family at this heart breaking time all our lpve Tina and family ireland

Red Whitmore

#17

July 23rd, 2019 1:37 pm

Mal....Enjoyed your friendship for many years..glad wr were able to reconnect these past few years...drag racing is in our blood...keep that track good and sticky up there...RIP my FRIEND

Robyn Chiappetta

#16

July 23rd, 2019 11:01 am

My deepest condolences to you all. Mal was an amazing man who always made me laugh and always believed in me when I didnt believe in myself.. RIP My friend...xx Robyn Chiappetta chiappetta@embarqmail.com

#15

July 23rd, 2019 10:39 am

I was so sorry to hear of your passing. I have known you since 5th grade. I was happy when we got back in touch and have remained friends on Face Book. I will miss you my dear friend. R.I.P.

Marianne Muha

#14

July 23rd, 2019 10:33 am

Deepest condolences to Mal’s beloved family whom he adored and his cherished friends. Rest In Peace...

The Leyton family

#13

July 23rd, 2019 10:28 am

Our Condolences, Prayers are with the Strowbridge family. Mail is at peace with the Lord in the beautiful pastures that have been promised.

Joe and Janet Lake

#12

July 23rd, 2019 10:16 am

You will be missed old friend. We always look at your front porch to see if you are there to share a wave. You looked great the last time I saw you at Staples. Our sincere sympathy to Priscilla and your children. Rest in Gods peace.

Carl Reed

#11

July 23rd, 2019 10:15 am

My heartfelt condolences to the family . rest in peace my old friend . Some of my Fondest Memories of my youth include you . Leo's , Jack's bowling alley and of course Island Dragway . I think of you every time I'm at a car show or race or on the street and see one of those Plymouth Fury's . you're one of the best buddy . You are sadly missed .

Duane Spyer

#10

July 23rd, 2019 9:49 am

Your father was a kind and considerate man, qualities that are in short supply these days. In 1988, your dad helped put out the fire at our house on Countryside Drive.

.Patricia Eskow

July 23rd, 2019 9:37 am

Mal you were a blessing to everyone with your kindness and cating..Going to miss all your talks, Good Morning, and the Good Nights ..May you RIP. Iam so sorry to see you go. May God Bless your family. A true American who loved his country, you will be truely missed by everyone❤

Ruth Piedra

July 23rd, 2019 9:30 am

With deepest sympathy to the Strowbridge family. Until you meet again. Ruth

Kim Richards

July 23rd, 2019 9:29 am

Priscilla n Family our condolences to you and your family Mal will be missed by all who knew him may you find comfort knowing your friends are with you at this difficult time God Bless

Jesse Epstein

July 23rd, 2019 9:27 am

Jared and family, I’m very sorry for your loss. My father also passed back in May of this year. Try to be strong for each other and as supportive as possible, as we all react differently to loss. I wish you all the best. Jesse and Johanna Epstein and family.

Donna Beers

July 23rd, 2019 9:04 am

My sincere condolences to the family...I had known Mal since high school...He was one of the nicest guys I knew...May he rest in peace....

Mary Rue

July 23rd, 2019 8:50 am

Dear Strownridge Family , Our hearts go out to your family for your loss. May God comfort you. The Rues

Bill Hunt

July 23rd, 2019 8:47 am

A fond memory of Mr. Strowbridge was mountain bike events. Even though I was racing against his son, who is a life long friend, Mr. Strowbridge was kind enough to feed me water bottles when my mom wasn’t feeling well at a race. That exemplifies the character that Mr. Strowbridge lived in life and raised in a true man, and best friend, Jared. May he rest in eternal peace.

Lester and Joy Snyder, Sr.

July 23rd, 2019 8:25 am

We are so sorry to learn of the passing of our longtime friend, Mal. I will miss our almost daily Good Mornings and meeting up at times at our mutual Drs. offices. A loyal American...he loved his country and always had the American Flag flying at his home. You will be very much missed, Mal. R.I.P...Joy and Les Snyder

Dorothy Dalley

July 23rd, 2019 8:20 am

Farewell -dear brother-in-law Mal. You were a kind, humble and sweet man. A man of few words but who showed your caring for others in many ways. You shall be missed by many but we have that blessed assurance from our Lord that we will see each other again on that Wonderful Day in Heaven. For we grieve, but not as those who have no hope. With much love to all the family- 'Aunt' Dottie

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