Laurence Kent Strickler

Laurence Kent Strickler, 88, of Lancaster, PA, passed away on October 25, 2024 with his family by his side. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late James Laurence Strickler and Annemarie Heinemann Strickler. He was the husband of Rosemary Stolfa Coverly with whom he celebrated 22 happy years of marriage.

He is survived by two daughters Elizabeth “Betsy” Strickler, (Jonathan Martin) and Laura Strickler (Mark Davies), and their mother Roberta Zinkand Strickler; three stepchildren Scott Coverly (Jodi), Jeffrey Coverly (Kathy), and Kristin Coverly; and two step-grandchildren Andrew Coverly (London) and Alyse; and his sister Annelouise Adee.

Kent was a graduate of Manheim Township High School, attended Penn State University, and received a BA from Kent State University. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1958. Professionally, he followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, making a career in insurance and financial planning. He was affiliated with Educators, Mellinger & Davies, Engle Hambright & Davies, Gunning Strickler, and Murray Management during his long career.

The Lancaster community benefited from Kent’s dedication to “giving back” beginning in his youth when he earned the rank of Eagle Scout.  As an adult he was an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church where he served on the Vestry and chaired the Finance Committee. Over the years, he served as president of the Long’s Park Amphitheater Foundation and was instrumental in founding the annual Arts Festival; chaired the famous Lancaster Sertoma Chicken Barbeque; served on the boards of Wheatland, Horizon House, Child Abuse Foundation, Sunnyside Housing Corporation, and North Museum of Nature and Science; and volunteered for Meals On Wheels and the United Way. 

Being a “people person,” Kent thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of his membership in the Hamilton Club, Tucquan Club, and Lancaster Pirates. Friendships continued to be a focus of his recreational choices, which included owning and piloting a hot air balloon; golfing with the Lancaster Golf Gang; playing bridge, Samba, and various card games; corresponding by email with local and far-flung contacts; and getting together with family and friends. He loved to travel but especially treasured his annual summer stays on MacMahan Island in Maine and snow-bird trips to Florida after retiring.

Kent’s family would like to thank their loving friends and the caring staff and volunteers at Hospice and Community Care for their emotional, physical, and professional support over the past few months.

A celebration of Kent’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on November 16 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 321 West Chestnut Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. Family members will welcome visitors at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Guests are invited to gather for fellowship and light refreshments after the service in the Parish Hall. 

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 321 West Chestnut St., Lancaster, PA 17603 or Meals On Wheels of Lancaster, 1411 Columbia Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603.