John L. Strano

With deep love, we announce the passing of John Louis Strano, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, who passed away on July 2nd, 2026. John was born on March 13th, 1942, in Torrington, Connecticut. He graduated from Torrington High School. After high school he joined the military and served in the Honor Guard in Washington D.C. A unit dedicated to honoring military veterans, particularly at funerals, patriotic events and memorial services. After the military he obtained a 2-year Apprenticeship with Waterbury Farrell, Cheshire Connecticut. He became successful in sales and later started his own business.

Some of his hobbies were golfing (it was a hate/love relationship) as most of his golfing buddies knew and respected that. Boating seemed to be more relaxing for John and loved tooling around Morse lake, (where we resided for 30 years before moving to Carmel). We had fun with family and friends on the lake. Traveling was a big part of his life with his wife Dottie. The first place we travelled, (International) was Italy and then back again 4 times., he couldn’t get enough of his heritage. Most of all he loved gardening and cooking. His specialty was his Italian dishes that the family couldn’t wait to eat. He taught his family the value of love, through traditions, honesty, and kindness, but we cannot forget his quick humor. Friends loved him for that.

He married the love of his life Dorothy (Dottie) Sumauskas, on October 9th, 1945, at St Peter and Paul’s church in Waterbury, Ct. They were married for 60 years and were devoted to their marriage and family. She survives. He is survived by children, Jessica (Tracy) Mills, Bill (Teresa)Strano, 5 grandchildren Natalie (Austin) Holzum, Carly Mills, John Mills, Sydney Strano, Logan Strano; Patricia Sumaskas, devoted sister-in-Law.

He was preceded in death by his parents Willam and Nelsina Strano. He has two surviving sisters, Vanzy Kelley and Rosalie Strano both living in Connecticut and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers Memorial contributions in John’s Honor may be made to The Little Sisters of the Poor.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30am, Wednesday, August 5th, 2026, at St Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 10655 Haverstick Rd, Carmel, IN 46033. Gathering for family and friends will be held prior to services from 9:30am until 10:30am.

A luncheon for all to join in food and fellowship to remember John will follow at 11;30am at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church.