Melford A. Strokes

Melford A. Strokes, Jr., 81, of Kingston, passed away Thursday, July 2, 2015, after a short illness. He was born January 28, 1934 in Kingston, to the late Melford A. Strokes and Bessie (Shondarsky) Strokes.


Mel served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. He later worked as an auto body mechanic for many years at Jerry Martin Pontiac. He then started his own business, Mel's Auto Body, which he owned and operated for many years.


Mel was a NASCAR enthusiast, master craftsman, and meticulous landscaper. He enjoyed carpentry and drawing his own plans for numerous projects around his home and shop.


He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Freda (Boice) Strokes of Kingston, his children, Valerie Strokes of Kingston, Freda Strokes of Kingston, Melford "Manny" Strokes and his wife Tina of Saugerties, and Cynthia Strokes of Kingston, his grandchildren, Megan Macedonia and her husband Michael of Peekskill, Jonathan Keefe and Joshua Keefe of Kingston, his great grandson, Braedan Augustus Macedonia, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Helen Boice.


Cremation arrangements entrusted to the care of A. Carr & Son Funeral Home, Kingston. A private memorial service will held at the convenience of the family.