Obituary of John Anthony Streko

John Streko passed away at the age of 75 on Sunday, September 24, 2023 from complications of aorta aneurysm.

He grew up in Whippany and attended Hanover Park High School, where he established lifelong friendships. On a lacrosse scholarship, he continued his education at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ.

Upon graduating college with a B.A. in Biology, he came to the proverbial crossroads in his life.  He had two opportunities presented to him: choose a career in pharmaceuticals or become an educator.  He wisely chose the latter providing him with an enriching life.

He began his career as a teacher at the Mount Olive and Long Valley middle schools. He then transferred to West Morris Central High School where he taught environmental science and physics. To honor his tenure at West Morris Central, he was selected to their teachers wall of fame for: Teachers of AP Environmental Science, Academics Physics, Environmental Issues, Whale Watch trips, Sandy Hook field Trips, Costa Rica Rainforest Trips, Dodge Foundation ``Teacher of the Rainforest" Smithsonian Institute: Mammals in Schools" Class Advisor - 1st Science Mural, Club Advisor- Recycling Program, Girls Basketball Coach (County Conference Champions), President of Morris County Girls Basketball Association, Boys Lacrosse Coach, Girls Lacrosse Coach, and Boys Golf Coach.

In 2004, after 33 years of being an educator, he pursued his first post-retirement job at Mine Brook Country Club and then onto Picatinny Golf Course where he continued to enjoy his love of golf.  He loved his golf buddies and always looked forward to going each year to the annual Swingfest.

Another hobby John held dearly to his heart was being an active bird bander for over 20 years. He coveted spending alone time on top of Kittatinny Mountain where he loved to reflect, refresh, and renew his soul. His mantra was “Even a bad day on the mountain is still a good day.”

In his 50 years of being a Mine Hill resident, he was active in the community.  He was on the Planning Board for several years and later became an election poll worker. He also participated in his children’s involvement in athletics. He coached Little League/Babe Ruth baseball, Pee Wee football, girls basketball, and umpired girls softball games.

A diehard Cowboy, Mets and Devils fan, he attended many of his sports teams’ games, including the World Series in 2000.  He also was a big foodie, avid reader, scuba diver, visited museums, Broadway shows, a history buff, big Beach Boys and ABBA fan.  He loved it when people where over enjoying the swimming pool and backyard that he tended to every summer. He is legendary for his Road Rallies.  He enjoyed spending time at Long Beach Island, where he held the traditions of claiming the family spot on the beach at sunrise, playing mini-golf at Flamingo Golf, the “Seafood Extravaganza”, shucking clams and getting doughnuts and crumb cake for the family. He treasured a once in a life time trip to the Amazon.

  John will always be remembered for his quick wit, charisma, and comforting advice.  He had a vast knowledge and curiosity for all subjects. He is a rare breed that can discuss everything and anything in a calm and nonconfrontational manner. John would do anything for the people he knew and even the people he didn’t know. You could always count on John and no truer words have been spoken about this great man.

John is survived by his wife of 54 years Kathy (Koetsch), his two children, Jason and Melanie, his daughter-in-law Adelina, and his two grandchildren who he absolutely adored, Jason and Valentina, and John’s older brother, Robert Streko.

He is predeceased by his brothers, Joseph and Thomas Streko.

Please join the family for visitation at Tuttle Funeral Home in Randolph on Saturday, October 7, 2023 from10am -12pm.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation in John's honor to the following:

Raptors Trust

Millington, NJ

https://theraptortrust.org/

Avian Wildlife Center

Wantage, NJ

https://www.avianwildlifecenter.org/