Gerald "Pete" Strope

Softly in the morning, you heard a gentle call, you took the hand God offered you and quietly left us all… Gerald "Pete" Strope, 79, of Windham Twp., Rome, PA passed away on February 17, 2012 at the Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre. He was born on December 23, 1932 in West Warren, PA a son of the late Harry and Phoebe (Olmstead) Strope. Pete married Mercedes "Mercy" Conklin in 1954. Together they owned and operated Strope Homstead Farm until their retirement in 2004. Pete will be remembered by many as a school bus driver, driving for Northeast Bradford for 40 years. He was a member and trustee of the First Congregational Church of West Warren. Pete is survived by his wife Mercedes "Mercy" Strope; son and daughter-in-law: Matthew and Cheryl Strope of West Warren; daughter Brenda Harwood of Oklahoma; six grandchildren, six great grandchildren; sister Mildred Leonard of Cadis; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Elizabeth Conkin of Athens; Mary and Don Jones of California; Lena and Carl Pendleton of Warren Center; several nieces, nephews, cousins and his faithful sidekick Tug also survive. Pete was predeceased by his parents; a brother Kenneth and sister Edith Lawrence; brother-in-law: Verus Conklin and grandson David Taylor. Family and friends are invited to attend a period of visitation and time of sharing memories on Monday, February 20, 2012 at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols from 11 to 1 pm. Memorial services and a celebration of Pete's life will follow at 1 pm with his pastor, Rev. David Pitcher, officiating. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family in the Darling Cemetery. Memories and condolences for Pete's family may be shared by visiting our website at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com Those who wish may kindly consider a memorial contribution to the First Congregational Church of West Warren, c/o Mrs. Janet Brown, 2712 Sugar Cabin Road, Rome, Pa 18837 or the Windham Twp., Volunteer Fire Dept. #19, 39158 Route 187, Rome, PA 18837 in loving memory of Gerald "Pete" Strope.