It is with great sadness to report Retired Southington Police Officer George Trostel passed away at his home on February 11, 2021. George served as an Advisor with the Southington Police Explorer Post and the Southington Cadet Program for over two decades working with teens and young adults interested in Law Enforcement and careers in public service. He encouraged them to work hard to achieve their full potential and to be productive members of our community. He served for over 12 years with NERLEEA (North East Regional Law Enforcement Educational Association) where he volunteered his time each year as a Field Training Officer with the Cadet Police Academy summer camp. In 2017, he resigned as an Advisor but continued to help out whenever needed. In his honor, the George Trostel Award was established to recognize Cadets for outstanding commitment to the Southington Police Cadet program. George had a positive impact on all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.
Obituary
George “Gus” R. Trostel, 74, of Southington, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, February 11, 2021.
George was born in Southington on March 9, 1946 to the late George and Josephine (Jankowski) Trostel and had been a lifelong Southington resident.
George graduated from Southington High School, Class of 1964. After graduation he went on to study Product Tool Design at Porter School of Engineering and eventually earned his associates degree from Tunxis Community College. George retired from the Southington Police Department in 2011 after honorably serving his hometown for over 38 years. After his retirement, Gus remained active in law enforcement as an advisor with the Southington Police Explorers and the Southington Cadet Program. He also served for over 12 years with NERLEEA (North East Regional Law Enforcement Education Association). George was a mentor to numerous teens and young adults and his legacy will live on in so many.
George took great pride in his work as part of the Plantsville Funeral Home family for over 20 years, retiring in 2017. He was a longtime member at the Immaculate Conception Church where he sat on the parish council. George was a 47 year member of the Polish Falcon Nest 307 where he served as the bar manager and was also a Gold Legion of Honor Member of the Polish Falcons of America. George was an avid UCONN fan and loved the NY Yankees. He will be remembered for being kind, reliable and a loyal friend to so many.
In addition to his parents, George was predeceased by his infant sister, Nancy, his aunts, Veronica Goll, Helen Marshall, Carrie Bates, Mary Jankowski and Louise Barbier and his cousin, William Barbier.
He is survived by his aunt Edna Savage of Plantsville, cousins, Barbara Lyons, Susan Baluha (Bob), James Savage, Cynthia Martel, David Savage, Michael Savage (Valarie), Kathleen Carroll (Rob), Nancy Marshall and Lynn Leone (Joe) and many second cousins who loved him like an uncle. George also leaves behind many dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations in George’s memory may be made to Southington Police Cadets, Attn: Detective Karen Apicella, 69 Lazy Ln, Southington, CT 06489.
George’s family would like to extend special thanks to all of George’s friends and colleagues who visited him, called him, helped him and loved him.
Walk-through calling hours will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February17, 2021 at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St, Plantsville. A graveside service will be held at 12:00 noon on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Southington. Face masks and social distancing are required at all times. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.