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STRONG -- Donald Manley Strong, 70, son of D. Vernon and Pauline Strong of Candor, NY, was born on September 26, 1939, passed away on Sunday, October 25. 2009. He is survived by Marie, his wife of 41 years; and his sisters, Jean (Alan) Ahart, Val (Bob) Houck, Nancy (Lynn Johnson)Ward; his brothers, "Hoot" (Diane) and Douglas Strong; and two stepdaughters Gail (Ray) Varin (Tucson, AZ) and Louise (Donn) Nielsen of Albuquerque. He dearly loved his grandchildren Amy, Bret, and Carlie Knapp, and Kelsey Nielsen; and his great-grandchildren Rachael, Ethan, Evan and Derrick; and his God-daughter, London. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Donald grew up on the family dairy farm in Candor, NY. After graduating from Cornell University he became a partner of Weiler Associates in Horseheads, NY. He was a licensed land surveyor for 39 years and was owner of Weiler Associates in Norwich, CT. Donald, Marie and Louise visited the Holy Land in 2000 which was a highlight in his life. Donald enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and all sports. Donald, a pilot, loved his Cessna 172 "Donarie-N64178." He was diagnosed with ALL (leukemia) March 2001 spending three months in the hospital, undergoing four surgeries in 31 hours and remained on a feeding tube for seven months. This forced him to sell his plane and his business. In remission from leukemia, he and Marie moved to Albuquerque, NM. January, 2002. He had a bone marrow transplant in 2004 at the University Medical Hospital in Tucson. His sister Nancy was his donor. In 2006 Donald requested to become a member of the Catholic Church. He enjoyed a healthy life until he was diagnosed with brain cancer (glioblastoma) June 2, 2009. A Vigil will be held with a Viewing and a Rosary will be recited at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Church on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Church on October 29, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Love and appreciation goes out for the prayers and generosity of his family and friends, and especially the Holy Rosary Small Christian Community members as they helped Marie and Donald during his journey to Heaven. After cremation Donald will join his deceased family in Candor, NY. Donald often said "God will cure me" and God has. In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be made to the American Brain Tumor Association 2720 River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th St, NW, ABQ, 87107. 505-343-8008.
        Published on: Wed October 28, 2009