Obituary of Frank P. Trotta

Frank P. Trotta. My Poppy. I used to walk around the basement of his house looking at his name on all of his awards. From his job, his community, his church, his football team. He was such a loved and respected man, and he earned every bit of it. We moved around so much, my memories of time with him are like little treasures that I've always held so tight. I remember once he took me to work with him and he let me push a button to "turn the lights off" on Grandma back at home. We laughed so hard about how mad she'd be - I only realized a few years ago it probably wasn't even true ?? I remember when he told my husband how when his Navy shop was docked outside Venice he only got off the ship to attend mass on Sunday - because he was saving all his money to buy an engagement ring for my Grandma when he got home. I remember their house being my home on long weekends from college while my parents still lived in Italy - Poppy always ran to the shop for warm bagels before I woke up and snuck a bill in my hand when he hugged me and sent me off on the train. I remember when my dad was deployed and we took a *school bus* right into Times Square to see his "Hometown Hello" on the mega-screen. Poppy got interviewed by the news and people starting surrounding him, taking photos thinking he was a celebrity. My Poppy cared about faith, family, and hard work. He made us all so proud to be Trottas and he made sure everyone remembered and honored our family history. Because of that - everything and everyone that surrounded him was always so joyful, beautiful, and full of laughter, love, and of course good food. Yesterday he passed on to be with the love of his life, my Grandma, the inevitable end to the greatest love story ever told. He leaves behind everything he ever embodied here on earth - a big, beautiful family that will always remember, share, and honor his legacy of a life well lived ??Here's to you Poppy - rest peacefully with Grandma - I love you both and will forever miss you. I will think of you every time I make tea from my red kettle, may we all be lucky enough to pour tea, coffee, and offer food to as many family and friends as you have always welcomed at your table. Love from Stephanie