Gerald Anthony Strag

April 20, 1942 - May 16, 2022

Gerald Anthony Strag, 80, passed away on May 19, 2022 at Flagler Hospital. He was born in Jersey City, NJ to Harry and Mary Strag. Gerry grew up being a rascal: at age 11 he and his buddy Mario would jump the train to New York City so they could tramp around. His wayward ways constantly gave his parents heartburn - they were not sure who would kill him first the nuns at his Catholic schools or the mafia because he kept running off with their daughters to make out. He shared that a nun once raged at him that "it was no use and (he) was destined for prison!" So, true to form, he decided to prove her wrong. He later earned his undergraduate degree from University of Miami, Masters from University of Georgia, and doctorate from University of Iowa. Gerry met his first wife, Thurza Strag when teaching in Athens Georgia and they had their only child, Ben after moving to Waterloo, IA. It was in Waterloo where he became a clinical psychologist. They later moved to New Bern, NC where he started his private practice, Child and Family Psychological Consultants. After the passing of his first wife, he married Betsy Urcelay. They remained in New Bern until 2017 when he finally retired and moved to Florida to be closer to Betsy's children and grandchildren. One might say "you can take the angry street kid out of Jersey City, but you can't take the Jersey City out of the kid." He did things HIS way. Despite his cantankerous reputation, he cared deeply about his patients and was the constant champion of the underdog. Through his last few years, the crusty protective shell that he tried to live in for so many years softened and what was inside surfaced. He ended his time here on earth as the sweet, tender man that his son knew from when he was growing up - no doubt, this is partly due the fact that Betsy tended to him so attentively. Gerry loved sailing and dogs - dogs more than people, as he would say. But more than anything he cherished his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Betsy Strag; children, Benjamin Strag (Renee), Curtis Likar (JoAnna) and Lindsay Beers (Brad); grandchildren Nicholas and Harrison Strag, Benjamin and Bradley Likar and Brenna and Grady Beers; sister, Joanne Olsen (Dr. Bob). He was preceded in death by his first wife, Thurza Strag. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 17, 2022 at 10:00 am at St. Paul Catholic Church in New Bern, NC. St Johns Family Funeral Home & Crematory in St Augustine, Florida is in charge of arrangements.