John Christian “Chris” Strawser, 64, of Glen Rock, Pa., formerly of Wanchese, NC, passed away Wednesday, June 19, 2019, doing what he loved, aboard the longline fishing vessel, Alexandra Dawn.

Chris was born March 5, 1955 in Washington, DC. He enjoyed a lively childhood, as the prankster and life of the party. This legacy carried with him into adulthood. He played with his siblings, dogs, and horses, and became an accomplished gymnast and pole vaulter. (By last account, he still held MD record in pole vaulting!) Most remember Chris’ incredible ability to walk on his hands, a skill he mastered from his gymnast days. He attended the United States Military Academy West Point and the University of Maryland. Mating on the F/V Lollypop with Captain Chick Craddock, Chris fell in love with fishing and the sea. When Captain Chick retired and sold the boat, Chris determined to attain his own commercial fishing boat, and name it the F/V Lollipop. He did just that and became an integral part of the fishing community as a 40+ year fishing veteran. Friends in the Outer Banks fishing community nicknamed him Lollipop, and his grandchildren carried on the tradition, calling him Popper. It was a privilege to call Chris “friend” and anyone he met, would. Chris was known for his kindness, class, generosity, cooking and his “life of the party” personality.

Chris left behind his best friend, soulmate and beloved wife of 20 years, Marilyn Strawser. Other survivors include his four daughters Jenna Erpelding (husband Bryan, children Kory, Mya), Amy Lane (life partner Kenny, child Eleana), Erica Burkhart (husband Heath, children Waylon, Heidi, Jolene, Lincoln, Augustus), and Anna-Marie Strawser (child Kanan) from his first marriage to Bonnie Strawser. He is also survived by his siblings and their families: Neil Bozievich, Jay Bozievich, Stuart Bozievich and Clara Bozievich. He is preceded in death by his parents, Neil Strawser and Antionette Bozievich.

A floating reception will be held for friends and family on Saturday, July 13 from 2-5 p.m. at the home of Erica Burkhart, 120 Mother Vineyard Road in Manteo, NC.

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