Joseph C. Strife

Joseph C. Strife, 61, of Carthage, NY, passed away November 24, 2023 at his home.

He was born on November 8, 1962 in Lowville, NY, son of Carlton J. and Dolores A. (Hanno) Strife.  He graduated from Carthage Central High School in 1981.

Joe was very dedicated to his current career working for the Town of Champion, notably as the Highway Superintendent for the past several years. He could be seen at any time of the day/night checking roads, looking for that  latest snowfall. When not working he could be found; chasing that monster buck (that he endearingly referred to as “Bruno”) or driving one his beloved big green tractors.

He was an enthusiastic outdoorsman; a proud member of the NRA, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Ducks Unlimited organization.  He was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing, racing, and riding ATV’s.  Joe was a generous benefactor, consistently supporting charitable organizations and purchasing raffle tickets for various charitable causes.

Among his survivors are his beloved wife Diane, his spitting-image daughter, Mariah G. Strife, and his fur-grandson, Diesel of Carthage; his loving mother, Dolores Strife, Black River; three sisters and their husbands, Shari (Rodney) McIntosh, Watertown, Sandy (Mark) Connelly, Felts Mills, and Holly (Stephen) Erdner, Colton; brothers, Michael (Patty) Strife, Carthage, Mark (Shanie) Strife, Carthage, Scott (Billie Jo) Strife, Three Mile Bay, Paul (Althea) Strife, Memphis, a sister-in-law, Beth Strife, Elbridge, mother-in-law; Carol Vargulick, brother-in-laws; William (Christina) Vargulick, Stephen (MaryAnn) Vargulick, & many nieces and nephews, whom he adored.

He is predeceased by his father, Carlton Strife, brothers, Stephen Strife (and his wife Dawn), James C. Strife, father-in-law, Michael Vargulick, and sister-in-law JoEllen Vargulick. 

Arrangements are with the Bruce Funeral Home.

It was his wish to be cremated with no calling hours, he solely insisted on “one heck of a party”. Hence, the family will hold a celebration of his life at the Carthage Elks Lodge on Saturday 12/2, from 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.

In lieu of donations, the family asks that you; go sit in that tree stand, buy that raffle ticket, eat that ring of Eddie’s Croghan Bologna, never turn down a chicken bbq, and enjoy life.  As Joe would say, “you can’t take it with you”!

Online condolences may be left at www.brucefh.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph C. Strife, please visit our floral store.