John Thomas Stritch, 73, of Mooresville, N.C., peacefully joined his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 28, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family. Born May 10, 1952, in Abington, Pa., he was the son of the late John Joseph and Melba Stritch.

John is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sue Stritch; daughters, Shannon Hilton (Tim) and Jennifer Bender (Josh); grandchildren, Emily and Jake Hilton, and Casey, Carly, and Quinn Bender; sisters, Eileen Adams and Meg Stewart; sister-in-law, Marilyn Martin; and brother-in-law, John Dekema; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Raised in California, John grew up surfing, playing sports, and valuing family. He worked multiple jobs to put himself through college, graduating from Cal Poly Pomona in 1975 with a degree in Social Services. It was while working during college at Bank of America that he met the love of his life, Susan Dekema. Together they built a life filled with fun and adventure, raising their family while moving across the country for John’s career.

John’s career began with Miller Brewing Company. He left there to work at various Miller Beer Distributorships, and he eventually became president of the distributorship in Denver, Colo. After years there, he moved on to North Carolina where he and his business partner co-founded Carolina Beer Company (Carolina Beverage Group) in 1997, serving as Co-Owner and President. The brewery produced well-known brands, including Carolina Blonde Ale, Cottonwood Ales, and Charleston Ales.

In 2009, John was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. With unwavering faith, he endured intense treatment and was declared cancer-free in 2010. Years later, he was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Throughout every challenge, John faced his illness with remarkable courage, positivity, and dignity.

John never met a stranger. He was kind, generous, hardworking, deeply faithful, and endlessly funny. He loved time with his family, boating on Lake Norman, running with his dogs, and enjoying a cold beer.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, January 30, at 3 p.m. at The Cove Church and will be live-streamed (a link will be provided in days to come.)

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CurePSP.org, the Piedmont Animal Rescue (www.piedmontanimalrescue.com), or Hospice of Iredell County (www.HOIC.org).

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Stritch family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.