Obituary of Cornelius Stryke

Cornelius “Connie” “Neil” Stryke lived his on the rudiments of community, country, and family passed away after a long illness at his home on Saturday afternoon, April 17, 2010. He was 86 years old. Neil was born in Winchester, the son of the late Cornelius and Catherine Stryke. He grew up in Woburn and graduated from Woburn High School in 1941. He served in the Merchant Marines for a short time, and then enlisted in the Navy to fight in WW II. He served from November of 1942 to the end of the War in 1946. He held the rank of Yeoman Second Class and saw extensive action in the Pacific on the battleships USS Texas and USS Wisconsin. He served as a Radioman. The USS Wisconsin fought in the Luzon Attacks, was the first ship to attack the Tokyo area on the Japanese island of Honshu used as a diversion for the attack on Iwo Jima and then participated in the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He received the American Area Medal, WW II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Theater Area Medals with 4 Bronze Stars. He shared a great bond with his shipmates on the Wisconsin and proudly returned to the USS Wisconsin to sail on its Decommissioning Cruise. Following the War, he worked for almost 10 years for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He specialized in radio operation and code but also served as an investigative assistant. He was involved in the FBI’s investigation of the famous Brink’s Robbery. Neil would later take a position in the US Postal Service. He worked for 30 years and was a friendly face at the Burlington Post Office. Neil had a number of activities and interests. He coach for the Burlington Little League. He was an avid golfer. He was a great cook and was known for his great spaghetti sauce. He collected stamps and coins. He loved to travel, especially to warm weather destinations. He visited Hawaii, Bermuda, Florida, and the Caribbean. He went on numerous cruises and was often accompanied by much of his family. He loved being surrounded by his family. He was married to his wife for 62 years. He prized sharing time with his brothers, who he referred to as “the Boys”. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather who filled their lives with laughter, love, and wonderful memories. He will be lovingly remembered. Neil was the loving husband of Ruth (Grant) Stryke. He was the beloved father of David of Ocala, FL, Catherine Keough of Billerica, Stephen & his wife Lorna of Tewksbury, and Philip & his wife Lisa of Easton. He was the brother of Arthur of Burlington, Roger of Woburn and the late Robert. He was also survived by 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Tuesday, April 20 from 4 – 8 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Funeral Services will be private. Memorials in Cornelius name may be made to Allcare Hospice, 16 City Hall Square, Lynn, MA 01901.