It is with great sadness that the family of Ryan John Strong of Navarre, FL announce that he went to be with his Lord on April 20th, 2026. He was born in Lockport, NY on March 12th, 1979 to Rob and Tricia Strong. He grew up in Newfane and graduated in 1997. He was a hard worker as a youth with a paper route and was employed at a local grocery store. He played the trumpet in the band, enjoyed his motorcycle and snowmobiling with friends. After graduation, he received a scholarship to attend Seattle Diving Institute in Seattle, WA. After he received his certification to be a commercial diver and underwater welder, he worked in various locations in OR and WA on the Columbia River and Puget Sound. Ryan excelled at this dangerous and important job. It was in OR that he married and started a family, his daughter, Xyenia and son Kelsen, were his pride and joy. During this time in OR, he dabbled in golf, gardening, woodworking and cooking. Ryan was a kind, generous, caring. grateful and compassionate Christian man that loved God and his family.

In 2021, they sold their home and traveled the US in a 5th wheel, seeking for a new place to call home. Unfortunately, the pandemic and other factors created a most difficult situation and these plans were derailed.  

He is survived by the mother of his children, his 2 children Xyenia (13) and Kelsen (11) of Navarre, FL, his mother, Tricia Ellis of Conneaut Lake, PA, his father Rob Strong of Barker, NY, his brother Jason and wife Wendy of Rochester, NY, his sister, Lindsay Strong of Newfane NY and Kim & Judy Gauntt, his former in-laws of Dundee, OR. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.  

Ryan was preceded in death by his grandparents, Betty & Ed Ellis of Conneaut Lake, PA,, Anna & Tom Kehoe of Denver, CO, John Strong of MA, and JR & Levita Gauntt of WA. Also preceding him in death were 5 aunts: Marilyn Mielnicki, Sandra Kerlin, Lois Strong, Mary Strong, Carol Penza and 4 uncles: Arthur Mielnicki, Dix Kerlin, and Donald Strong. 

There will be a celebration of life in NY state, date to be determined. Ryan's family would like to thank the loving staff of the Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, FL who took excellent care of him until his passing. We are forever grateful for your expertise and caring ways. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ryan John Strong, please visit our floral store.