Dominic Anthony Trocchia Sr., 94, of Little Silver, passed peacefully in his sleep Sept. 8, 2024. Born May 29, 1930, in Red Bank, Dominic was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who lived a life full of love and dedication. He was a proud graduate of Red Bank High School Class of 1948, where, at 15, he met the love of his life, his beloved Marie. Despite not being old enough to drive, he would walk three miles in the snow to visit her. Their 73 years of marriage and 77 years together were a testament to their enduring love, always holding hands wherever they went.
A man of deep faith, Dominic was an altar server at St. Anthony of Padua from elementary school through high school and attended daily Mass in later years.
Dominic attended Oglethorpe University’s General Motors Institute in Atlanta for management and engineering. He also attended the University of Delaware. He was a real estate investor and retired from the automotive industry, where he was a long-standing member of the General Motors Only the Best Club. He was also a member of the Automotive Program Advisory Board at Brookdale Community College.
Dominic was the last surviving charter member of the North Side Fire Company in Tinton Falls and was a member of the Holy Name Society and Knights of Columbus.
Dominic’s family was his world, and they all adored him. He would do anything for them. They relied daily on his wisdom-filled advice. He was their plumber, electrician and handyman, fixing everything in their homes. He unselfishly took care of everyone and everything.
When his grandchildren were born, he cherished his time with them, taking each of them regularly for special outings. They cherished him and their alone time with Poppy. His great-grandchildren adored him, and he treasured them. He loved traveling the world with his wife and sharing the stories with his extended family. The great-grandchildren marveled at pictures of Poppy on a camel in Morocco.
Dominic was predeceased by his adoring wife Marie; his father and mother, Frank and Carmella; two brothers, Andrew and Salvatore; and two sisters, Lena and Ann. He is survived by his daughter Donna; his son Nick and wife Marlene; three grandchildren, Nicole and husband Mark, Jonathan, and Justine and husband David; six great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Josephine and Frances.
Dominic was the most selfless man, a true gentleman, the strength and backbone of his family. He was a paragon of virtue and greatness who set the standard all future generations tried to emulate. He was the quintessential great man and gentleman and his family was honored and privileged to call him husband, Dad and Poppy.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Sept. 17 at St. James Church, Red Bank. Burial was private. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Salvation Army at salvationarmyusa.org. Thompson Memorial Home of Red Bank has been entrusted with the arrangements.
The article originally appeared in the September 19 – 25, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
