Vincent W. Trotnick, Jr. 67 of McMurray passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 21, 2019 due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease with his devoted wife by his side. He was born on January 11, 1952 in McKeesport to Vincent W. (Pinky) Trotnick, Sr., and Fannie Zupanc who preceded him in death. Vince grew up in Collinsburg and graduated from Belle Vernon Area High School in 1969.
He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering and later earned a Master’s of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 1978. He was a member of St. Benedict the Abbot Catholic Church in McMurray. On May 2, 1981 he married Sandra Christy who survives.
He was employed by RCA beginning in 1973 and for nine years developed mobile communication devices while he was employed with them. He then began working for Industrial Scientific Devices, Inc., as a Chief Engineer where he designed gas-sensing instruments used in the coal mining industry. Mr. Trotnick’s final step in his career journey was with CSE Corporation from May 2005 until his retirement in 2015.
Vince obtained his Professional Engineer License in 2001 and held an amateur Ham Radio License since the seventh grade. Over his lifetime, Vince maintained an avid interest in ham radio, electronics design and repair, model trains, canoeing, photography and ballroom dancing. Vince was actively involved in the Longhouse of the South Hills YMCA Indian Princess program with his daughters for eight years including two years as a Feather Merchant.
He participated in Odyssey of the Mind and Science Olympics with this son in middle school and high school years. During the ten years that he lived with Parkinson’s, Vince was committed to walking as a way to mitigate his disease and could be seen nearly every day along his walking route throughout his neighborhood. His wife, Sandy, is the co-leader of the South Hills Movers and Shakers Parkinson’s Disease Support Group and Vince attended the meetings with his wife.
His family would like to thank the staff of Manorcare of Peters Township and Heartland Hospice for their compassionate and loving care of Vince during his illness. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children Vincent M. Trotnick of Madison, Wisconsin, Christy L. Trotnick of Pittsburgh and Amy M. Trotnick, of Pittsburgh, his sister Kathy Rullo (Greg) of West Chester, his sister-in-law Joyce Martin (Kevin) of Williamsburg two nieces Jennifer Gribble (Rusty) and Nicole Martin both of Virginia Beach, two nephews Michael Rullo of Philadelphia and Paul Rullo of East Fallowfied, PA two great nieces Aubrey and Savannah Gribble, cousins and many friends. Friends are welcome to the Chapel at Forest Lawn Gardens, 3739 Washington Road, McMurray, on Friday, January 25, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. for a Celebration of Life Service.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, LFD, owner/supervisor and Darla A. Tripoli, LFD, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120. Memorial contributions are suggested to Parkinson Foundation Western PA, 575 Lincoln Avenue, #101, Bellevue, PA 15202. Checks may be made out to PFWPA.
You may also donate online at www. pfwpa.org/donate-now.
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