Obituary of Donald N. Trusch

Donald N. Trusch, beloved and devoted husband of Maria T. Trusch (nee Donnelly) passed peacefully on February 3, 2023, at home, at the age of 91.  Loving brother to Joan T. Kelley, and his pre-deceased siblings and their spouses, Rosemarie Fiori, Louis Fiori, Raymond B Trusch, Dorothy Trusch, George Kelley, Eileen Platte and Albert Platte.  Brother-in-Law to Gerald & Joanne Donnelly, John & Nancy Donnelly, and predeceased by Daniel Donnelly, Patrick & Terry Donnelly, Michael Donnelly and Bartholomew Donnelly.  Devoted father of Peggy, Mia and Joan. 

In the weeks prior to his passing, he was joined by his adoring grandchildren (and granddogs) either in person, or via FaceTime calls.   His grandchildren, Siobhan Opiela, Jaime P Boyko, Tyler Garrambone, Eric Trusch, Matthew J Boyko and Nicholas Garrambone loved him dearly.  Once again, Don’s devotion to his family was expressed to each of his children and grandchildren, proclaiming his pride in each of them, and citing his last bit of advice as, “Always do what is right”.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews often sharing fond memories of each of them as young children, and pride for them as adults.

Don was completely devoted to his family and made sacrifices to ensure that his family enjoyed financial security.  He planned each move he made as a NYS Professional Engineer, having graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering from Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute of New York.  He continued his education in pursuit of an MS in Engineering while working for Andrews & Clark in NYC.  He was offered a partnership, but rather decided to accept an offer in Westchester from a private Engineering firm, Getter & Associates.  Don commuted from Long Island daily and enjoyed the ride on the scenic Hutchinson River Parkway.  He soon made another move to become the Town Engineer for the Town of Mahopac NY.  His next move was to Nassau County, as a Sr. Engineer, in the Department of Public Works.  He collaborated with many Nassau County departments in defense of claims against the County, earning the respect and reliance from the Nassau County Attorney’s Office.

In terms of his success as a Professional Engineer, Don often spoke of his time collaborating with the US Navy to develop an innovative facility designed to efficiently service multiple US Navy Jet Engines concurrently.  The design was a tremendous success, and once again, he was offered an opportunity with the US Navy, but decided that a move to Washington DC was not in the best interests of his family.

His second most revered accomplishment was his work on the World’s Fair in Corona, NY.  He and his family enjoyed the fruits of his success by enjoying many visits to the different pavilions, always ensuring that the girls left with a warm,  newly created plastic dinosaur.

Don also enjoyed his hobby as a member of the NAWCC, the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors.  Don began this hobby while vacationing with his family, and frequenting antique shows in the Northeast.  His love for collecting, repairing, and trading watches became an extension of his immediate family, forming lifelong friendships amongst the members nationwide.  Don and Maria would travel to Watch Shows sponsored by branches of the NAWCC in the Northeast, and upon retirement, expanded their travels to events in the Southeast.  They have been active in the NAWCC for many years, and attended their last event in February of 2022 in Lakeland, FL.

Don retired in 1995 and he and Maria became Snowbirds, splitting their time with between homes in Mineola, NY and Boca Raton, FL, where they enjoyed a group of friends that included his sister, Eileen Platte.

In 2005, Don and Maria built a new home in Palm Beach County, realizing their dream of living in a 55+ community complemented with many enjoyable activities.  Their most memorable experience was their membership in the Italian Club, and a cruise with the club to the Caribbean.  They also enjoyed traveling to other destinations and made their long desired trip to Ireland a reality.  Don and Maria visited the Counties from which their families emigrated, and enjoyed the experience of “Kissing the Blarney Stone”, in County Cork.

Throughout their retirement Don and Maria enjoyed attending the various sporting and school events of their grandchildren.  They always made an effort to ensure every one of their grandchildren would enjoy their presence at every possible milestone in their lives.

Don, as a faithful and righteous man and devoted parishioner of both St. Matthew’s Church in Palm Beach County, FL and Church of Saint Aidan in Williston Park, NY, his wish was to have his life celebrated at a Mass of Christian Burial at his former parish of 40 years, Church of Saint Aidan, in Williston Park, NY.

Don was a proud US Army Veteran, having served during The Korean War (Berlin Airlift).

Family and friends may gather at Weigand Brothers Funeral Home, 49 Hillside Avenue, Williston Park, NY February 13, 2023, from 3:00 – 5:00 pm, and 7:00 – 9:00 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial, February 14, 2023, Church of Saint Aidan, 505 Willis Avenue, Williston Park, NY 11596 at 10:00 am. Interment to follow at  St. Charles/Resurrection Cemetery, 2015 Wellwood Avenue, Farmingdale, NY 11379.