A native of Hamilton, John Strycharz graduated from Steinert High School after having attended Our Lady of Sorrows Grammar School and earned an Associates Degree in Business Administration at Mercer County Community College.

While still a college student he worked as a stock assistant at Epstein's and later became a buyer for the company solidifying his career path in the retailing industry. John later was a manager/buyer for Lee's Pharmacy for eight years before opening his own business, John's Reading Center in the Mercerville Shopping Center on Rt. 33 in Hamilton.

John was appointed to the Hamilton Township Economic Development Advisory Commission in 2000 and served that organization as its vice chairman in 2001 before becoming chairman of that commission later that year, a position he holds to the present.

He is a member of the Hamilton Rotary Club, Mercer Chapter of the Sons of Italy and Langtree School Parent Teachers Association.

Charitable fundraising for community service groups has become one of John's callings. He has initiated and participated in fundraising for Homefront for Homeless Veterans, Project Neighbor, Toys for Children and his most memorable event, Langtree School's successful drive to raise money to purchase safe playground equipment.

John resides in Hamilton with his wife, Carole, and his two daughters, Christa Joy and Larissa.