Founded Strong Enterprises, 'The Parachute Company With Imagination'

Strong Enterprises reports on the company website that company founder Ted Strong passed away on Friday. No cause of death was listed in the notice, but a comment posted to the company website by Strong Enterprises notes that, "‎An incident has occurred during a Military Training exercise. We can make no further comments until the investigation is complete."

Strong Enterprises was formed in 1960 in Quincy, MA, moving to its present location in Orlando, FL, in 1976. Strong has been an industry leader in quality and innovation, and has grown from a single sewing machine to a 20,000 square foot factory with hundreds of sewing machines and state-of-the-art parachute equipment manufacturing systems and technology. The company says it has manufactured parachutes ranging from from four inches (stabilizing systems for larger objects in freefall) up to 64 feet in diameter. Ted strong was instrumental in the development of both the Dual Hawk Tandem and the 2K and 10K SCREAMER Precision Delivery System.

"There are too many stories to write about the legend that is Ted Strong," the company wrote. "Ted strived to improve the industry that he loved without seeking fame or credit. He just wanted a safer and more inviting environment for everybody to enjoy and experience skydiving the way he did.

"Ted Strong started skydiving in 1958, entered the US Army in 1959 with 100 jumps, and was stationed at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY for two years.  His duty there was to coach the USMA Cadet Parachute Team and the West Point Sport Parachute Club. In 1961 Ted started Strong Enterprises, a parachute company in his parents basement. He began by modifying round parachutes, sewing and making anything his friends needed to skydive.

A friend once said, “Ted Strong’s company wasn't there to make money, but to make parachutes for his friends.” This quote personified Ted.

"The industry and the world has lost a wonderful person and those that knew him will miss him dearly. Those that never had the pleasure of meeting him will feel his influence anytime they make a skydive."

FMI: www.strongparachutes.com