Obituary of Christopher Strucker

Insertion for Tuesday January 7, 2014 & Wednesday January 8, 2014 Use NYPD logo in email Christopher Strucker Montgomery, NY Christopher Strucker, 49, a 12 year resident of the area, Retired NYPD Detective Second Grade and first responder on 9/11, passed away at home on January 3, 2014 surrounded by his loving family, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Born on February 29, 1964 in Brooklyn, N.Y. to the late John R. Strucker and Alice (nee Zalnieratis) Strucker, he relocated to Staten Island, N.Y. at the age of 13and settled in New York. After graduating from St. John's University with a degree in Finance, Chris embarked on a career on Wall Street, but soon, he realized a greater calling and desires to serve the public whereupon he joined the NYPD in 1993. This was the start of an honorable career where Chris was awarded many decorations and awards, resulting in his promotion to Detective Second Grade. During the tragedy of 9/11, Chris spent many hours at the World Trade Center site as a first responder digging through rubble searching for survivors. As a result of that effort, Chris was diagnosed with lung cancer in September 2010 which necessitated the removal of his right lung. This resulted in his being medically retired from the NYPD, a job he cherished and loved. But his attitude was always positive as evidenced by his saying, "This is not going to get me." Unfortunately, the cancer metastasized to his brain in December 2011. Chris underwent several brain surgeries. Thus began a fight where Chris endured much pain and suffering. He was left paralyzed on his right side and lost his ability to speak. Chris was loved and respected by all who knew him because he always thought of others first and was willing to provide any assistance he could offer. He loved being with his family and spending time with his sons whom he adored. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved working to restore his El Camino. He was also a Certified Hunter Safety Instructor with the DEC and a member of the Walden Sportsmen's Club. Chris is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Kathleen (nee Carey), his sons Christopher and Michael, his mother Alice Strucker and his brother David and his wife Linda. He is also survived by his in-laws Pat and Ed Carey, sisters-in-law Eileen, MaryEllen and Carolyn, brothers-in-law Eddie, Kevin and Billy and the many nieces and nephews who loved Uncle Chris and always enjoyed his company because of his bright smile and ability to make them laugh. And let us not forget Chris' colleagues in the NYPD, especially those in the Intelligence Division who he loved and respected. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Chris's life on Thursday January 9, 2014 from 6-9pm and Friday January 10, 2014 from 2-4 & 7-9pm at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home inc. 1525 Burlingham Rd Pine Bush NY 12566. A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Saturday January 11, 2014 at 10:30am the funeral home. Cremation will take place at Cedar Hill Crematory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chris' name to Heroes Assisting Heroes P.O. Box 911 Pearl River, N.Y. 10965; The Detective's Endowment Association, Inc. Attn: DEA Widow's and Children's Fund 26 Thomas Street N.Y., N.Y. 10007; Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties 800 Stonybrook Court Newburgh, N.Y. 12550 Arrangements entrusted to the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com