Joseph Jennings Trott, Jr.

Joe passed away on 12/12/2016 in St. Paul, Minnesota, with family by his side. Preceded in death by parents, Joseph Jennings Trott, Sr., and Doris Lang Trott Gover. Survived by devoted wife of 60 years, Dale (nee Thomas), 3 children (Joe (Sonia), Doug (Robin), and Margie), 6 grandchildren (Sarah, Laura, Joanna, Scott, Olivia, and Amy), brother Tom (Elaine), nephew Tom, niece Laura (Chris), and many, many friends in Maryland, Minnesota, and up and down the east coast. Joe was born on May 1, 1933 in Baltimore, Maryland, where he lived until August, 2015, when he and Dale moved to Waverly Gardens, a Presbyterian Homes senior living community in North Oaks, Minnesota. Joe did not have an easy childhood, but would say he always had enough to eat, and had great friends and extended family that kept him out of (most) trouble. His father, a Baltimore City police officer, died suddenly when Joe was 15, and his mother worked hard to provide for her two boys. He excelled in high school sports, including football, basketball, and baseball. Joe graduated from the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, turned down an opportunity to try out for a professional baseball team, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Two years later he was selected for Officer Candidate School. While on active duty Joe met Dale, his "gutsy, sweet redhead", on a blind date in 1955, when she was a student at Towson State Teacher's College. Soon after Dale earned her teaching degree, she became a Marine wife and the two of them moved cross-country for Joe's assignment in California. Joe was honorably discharged in 1958 as a 1st Lieutenant, remaining a proud Marine all of his life. Joe then worked at The Martin Company, moving his young family to Italy for a year to train NATO forces. He later became an insurance agent, first with Aetna, then with his own independent insurance business, which he ran until well into his 70s. Joe was a man who loved his family and his country deeply, stood for what was right, not merely for what was easy, and would do anything for his friends and family. He taught his offspring the meanings of honor, integrity and discipline, and to stand for the National Anthem. Joe enjoyed bowling, tennis, and golf throughout his adult life, collecting many trophies along the way. He appreciated good food and drink, jazz and classical music, and traveling, either with the love of his life, Dale, or joined by friends and family. Walt Disney World became a favorite destination over the years, and trips with grandchildren or for the Food and Wine Festival with friends were favorite memories. Other fond memories came around the card table, whether teaching his grandchildren the finer points of poker, playing bridge with his favorite partner (Dale) and long-time friends, or games of hearts or Mexican train with family or friends. Extended family meals were usually followed by ice cream to "fill in the cracks" while the table was cleared off to start some games. Joe did not ask for much, and frequently expressed gratitude for having such a great life where family and friends always came first. Knowing his health was in decline, one of Joe's last acts of great love was to move to Minnesota to be close to two of his kids and four of his grandkids, and to ensure Dale would be well cared for. In the short time Joe and Dale have lived in Minnesota they have made wonderful friends at Waverly Gardens, found poker and bridge playing groups, and have enjoyed many community events and activities. Even though they have lived there less than two years, the Waverly Gardens community has surrounded Dale with love during this difficult time. A memorial service will be held at the Waverly Gardens Chapel (5919 Centerville Rd., North Oaks, MN 55127) on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at 1PM with dessert to follow. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Friday, December 23, 2016. Donations preferred to Semper Fi Fund or Waverly Gardens.

Tributes

Joseph Jennings Trott, Jr.

May 1, 1933 - December 12, 2016

Tributes

Joseph Jennings Trott, Jr.

May 1, 1933 - December 12, 2016

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