Herbert D. Trossman

Herbert D. Trossman 81, of Tucson, AZ passed away at home on January 12, 2015 after a fierce seven month battle with cancer. He is survived by Pat, his wife of 45 years, as well as nieces, nephews, grandnieces, a grandnephew, in-laws, a foster daughter and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Ruth. Herb was born in Brooklyn on July 21, 1933 to Henry and Tillie Trossman. In 1948 the family moved to Bay Shore, NY, where his parents ran a small grocery store. At Bay Shore HS he met his lifelong friend, Harris Amhowitz, with whom he had many lively discussions over the years. After graduating from Bay Shore HS in 1951, he attended college, including a year at the U. of Arizona, served two years in the Army (stationed in Korea), and earned his bachelor's degree (Hofstra College) and his law degree (NYU Law School). A defining experience in Herb's life was his Peace Corps service in the Dominican Republic, where he worked with local fishermen to start a co-op. He left there with a commitment to helping others and in doing so, he touched many lives. Over 50 years later, he was still in close contact with many of the former Peace Corps volunteers. Following his return he worked in NYC as an attorney, first in entertainment, then in general practice, specializing in real estate. After retiring to Arizona in 1998, he became a pistachio farmer for several years. He was a friend of the environment, giving freely of his time and expertise as a Board Member, officer or active member of numerous organizations including American Littoral Society, NYC Audubon Society, Southeast AZ Butterfly Association, Tucson Audubon Society, Friends of Redington Pass and others. An outdoor enthusiast, he enjoyed sailing, hiking, and observing and photographing our beautiful desert environment and its wildlife. He was a lifelong Yankees fan and, since moving to Arizona, a season ticket holder to Wildcats basketball. He satisfied his interest in diverse topics by taking many courses given by the Humanities Seminars Program at the U. of A. He was also a lover of gadgets, tools and technology who relished the challenge of learning how to use a new device or program. We will miss his sense of humor, his energy, his wisdom, his generosity and his love. A Celebration of his life will be held at a later time. Donations in his memory may be made to American Littoral Society (a coastal conservation group), 18 Hartshorne Drive, Suite 1, Highlands, NJ 07732 or Tucson Audubon Society, 300 E. University Blvd, #120, Tucson, AZ 85705 or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL.