John Henry Stroud

John Henry Stroud, affectionately known as "Bud," was born at White Plains Hospital on April 19, 1913 to the late John Rufus Stroud and Rebecca Jane (Long) Stroud.  He was the only son of their four children.  He was a lifelong Greenburgh resident, educated at the Greenburgh schools. During World War II, he was honorably discharged as Sergeant from the US Army.  He was the first Black President of the White Plains Lions Club, International.  As president of Parkway Homes Civic Association, he began the neighborhood youth program and organized the annual community Christmas caroling followed by a party for youth.  He organized community trips for youths.  As founder of Parkway Homes Scholarship Fund, he established a scholarship for college bound students in Parkway Homes.  Of his many accomplishments as District Leader 47th Election District in Greenburgh, he was responsible for the installation of new street lights and leash laws; led the voter petition drive and obtained approval for paving a new road to extend Lawrence Ave. This cut down on the arrival time for the Fire Dept. to the Parkway Homes area. Bud was an auxiliary policeman for the Town of Greenburgh.  Bud was a member of the Greenburgh Zoning Board and the only male board member of the Westchester Debutante Cotillion.  He was a lifetime member of the NAACP, a mason at the Bright Hope Lodge, as well as serving on many other organizations in efforts to promote racial equality. Bud began working at Butler's Market located at the end of Manhattan Avenue and Tarrytown Road (Route 119 today).  He worked for Mr. Tompkins, the manager at Butler's for over 20 years.  In the 1930's Bud was physical director at the White Plains YMCA.  He was the first black clerk at the Florida Orange Co.  He also worked for Raytheon Mfg. Co. and Nuclear Development Association on Water Street in White Plains.  He worked part-time at Westchester Children's Association for 27 years.  He retired from Westchester Community Health Plan (Kaiser Permanente) in 1986. Bud met his wife, Irene, in Greenburgh.  She moved here from Pittsburgh, PA and stayed with her aunt and uncle, Olivia and Edward Hodge.  Dating was interrupted by the war.  Bud volunteered for the Army.  After dating a few years, Irene asked, "Are we going to get married?"  He later proposed to her.  She said, "Ok, we will get married December 24, 1944." Bud built his own house in Parkway Homes and moved from his home on Manhattan Ave. to Lawrence Ave. in 1951.  Bud enjoyed his two daughters, Sandra Jane and Shelley Ann.  He and Irene continuously supported and encouraged the girls to further their education. Bud said, once his grandchildren were born (Shamara and Sanjay), it was the happiest time in his life. Bud knew how to live!  He wanted to see the world before he lost his sight; he traveled to Austria, Greece, England, Tahiti, France, Philippines, Holland, Australia, Italy, Berlin, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Hawaii, and many more countries.  He often joked about his blindness.  He would say, "I'm not blind, I just can't see."  He also enjoyed bowling after work and was proud of the many trophies his team received. Bud had many stories to tell about his life growing up in Greenburgh, some of which were written and recorded for historical purposes.  On Wed., October 14, 2015, he departed this life, leaving to survive his 2 daughters, Sandra Singh of Greenburgh & Shelley Stroud of White Plains; 1 sister, Gladys of Greenburgh; 2 grandchildren Shamara & Sanjay Singh of Greenburgh; niece, Janet Mitchell, and several nieces & nephews.  He was predeceased by his wife, Irene and 2 sisters, Cora Tolliver & Louise Davis. Bud attributed his long life to "always having a plan." The Entire Staff of Lee's Funeral Home, LLC respects that the Stroud/Singh family entrusted the care of their loved one to us, and that they value the level of service & attention our funeral home provides. We are honored, in turn, to provide comfort, assistance and service to the Stroud/Singh family during their time of bereavement.