John C. Strayer

John C. Strayer, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, educator, and executive, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease on June 13, 2025. He was 81. John’s life was defined first and foremost by his deep devotion to his family. Born in Buchanan, Michigan on April 14,1944, he was the oldest child of Muriel and Robert Strayer, and was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Juli Strayer. He is survived by his wife of more than 55 years, Joan (nee Cocco), who lovingly and tirelessly cared for him throughout his illness with grace and strength. He was the proud father of Lara Meisner (Needham, MA), Susan LaMotte (Charleston, SC), and John R. Strayer (Ridley, PA), and father-in-law to Derek Meisner, Peter H. LaMotte, and Christie Strayer. He was also the adoring grandfather of Zachary (22), Ellie (19), Noah (13), Scarlett (10), and Dylan (8) —each of whom brought immense pride and joy to his life. John is also survived by his sister Janie (Roger) Ulane of Loveland, CO While he enjoyed many professional successes, no title ever meant more to John than “Dad” or “Grandpa.” His pride showed through every sporting event, musical, dance recital, and graduation he attended. He wanted the best for his children and grandchildren and made many sacrifices, alongside his wife, to ensure they could achieve their dreams. Professionally, John dedicated his life to the power of education and the strength of community. As President of the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology (PIT) from 2006 to 2010, he led a transformative turnaround of the institution—more than doubling enrollment, launching new academic programs, expanding to a second campus, and securing over $3 million in grant funding to support student success. He was always so proud of his students, many of whom might not have had access to higher education without the opportunities PIT offered. John’s leadership was marked by a rare combination of commitment, humility, and operational excellence. Prior to his presidency, he served as Executive Vice President of Administration at PIT and held executive roles with National Education Corporation. He also spent 15 years at CDI Corporation, an engineering and technology services firm, where he oversaw real estate, supplier relationships, and corporate operations. John never stopped teaching—both formally and informally. He was a respected adjunct professor at Delaware County Community College for over a decade, where he taught business courses and at St. Joseph’s University and Valley Forge Military College, reaching thousands of students across his academic career. An alumnus of Albion College (BA) and Western Michigan University (MBA), John also completed executive leadership studies at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He believed deeply in lifelong learning—not just as a principle, but as a practice. Beyond his professional career, John was a dedicated civic leader. He served on numerous boards including the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools, the Pennsylvania Economy League, and the Ridley-area YMCA, where he helped lead the planning and opening of the center, and where his grandson Noah later attended their afterschool programs. He was a past president of the Upper Darby chapter of Rotary International, a Paul Harris Fellow, and a devoted member of Church of the Redeemer, where he chaired the Finance Committee. Despite his many achievements, John remained grounded in what mattered most: integrity, family, purpose, and kindness. Even as Alzheimer’s slowly took pieces of his memory, his warmth never wavered. His eyes still lit up at the sound of his grandchildren’s laughter, and his quiet strength continued to anchor those around him. John’s legacy lives on in the values he passed to his children, the wisdom he shared with his students, and the love he showed so generously to everyone he met. He lived a life that mattered and will be missed beyond measure and remembered with enduring love. A service to celebrate his life will be held at the Church of the Redeemer, 145 W. Springfield Rd, Springfield, PA on Saturday, June 21st at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his honor to the Church of the Redeemer, the Ridley YMCA (Youth Programs), or the Strayer Family Fund, for scholarships in the community where he was raised.

John C. Strayer

April 14, 1944 - June 13, 2025