Paul “Pete” Strine Jr., a retired Maryland state trooper and Air Force veteran, died Friday at Carroll Hospital in Westminster from a heart attack. The New Windsor resident was 72.

Paul Nathan Strine Jr. was born and raised in New Windsor. After graduating from Francis Scott Key High School in Union Bridge, he served as an Air Force flight mechanic from 1964 to 1968.

He joined the Maryland State Police in 1973 and was assigned to its criminal investigation unit at what is now Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. He retired in 1994 with the rank of corporal.

In retirement, he owned New Windsor Carryout and was safety director at Stambaugh’s Inc., a Union Bridge construction company.

He was also owner of Strine’s Safety & Compliance in New Windsor.

Mr. Strine was an inveterate sports fan, and also enjoyed reading, taking care of his home and being outdoors. He also liked gathering with friends and sipping beer in his garage — which he dubbed The Marston Inn, family members said.

Plans for a memorial service are incomplete.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, the former Kim Dan Airsdale; a son, Dennis A. Strine of New Windsor; two sisters, Ada Hobbs of Westminster and Joan Hudson of Clinton, S.C.; and two grandchildren.

—Frederick N. Rasmussen