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Kenneth Trommer Obituary
Beloved husband and father, Ken shared his life with his wife of 55 years, Phyllis Anne; their son, Marshall Kevin of New Jersey; and daughters, Deirdre Gail Frey of New Jersey, Kerrie Patrice Smith of New Bern and Valerie Colleen Kraenzle of Illinois; and also, granddaughter, Kassandra Courtney Smith; grandsons, Ronald George Frey II, Nikolas Hans Frey and Christopher Evan Frey. Ken is also survived by his brother, Albert Arthur Trommer of Chester, N.Y.
Ken's community involvement was legendary. Ken loved everyone. His kindness, patience, sense of humor and always willing to help was known by all who knew him. He touched everyone's heart. He was a 4th-degree with the Knights of Columbus and was very proud to be a part of it! He was a member of The Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem (SMOTJ), New York and North Carolina. Ken was a descendant of Aaron Burr and his daughters are debutantes. Ken belonged to the New York Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, Squadron A, Kane Masonic Lodge #454, New England Society, Yale Club and Veterans Corps of Artillery.
Ken was an active member with the New Bern Chamber of Commerce and was an ambassador for many years and was active in many chamber events, Operation Thank You, Golf Tournament, Reverse Drawing and Non-profit Council. He was employed as a concierge at Comfort Suites since 1998. He started the job exchange for retirees. He was active in Habitat for Humanity, Monte Carlo Night, Hospice, NBHS Band volunteer and was a Rotarian.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 13, 2009, at St. Paul Catholic Church with Father Ernest Ruede officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
After the burial, a reception will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church.
Visitation will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Cotten Funeral Home, with a Rosary from 8 to 9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.
Arrangements by Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory.
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Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Trommer
John Ronan
March 31, 2009
It is with my deepest sympathy that I just heard of Ken`s passing. He will be remembered in my daily prayers. John J. Ronan
Barbara & Jerry Dotterer
March 16, 2009
Jerry and I offer our deepest regrets on your family's loss. Ken had a passion for our community that few have seen. He showed his love for New Bern by being an outstanding ambassador and leader. Ken touched all our lives by knowing him. He motivated you to do more. He believed that what you take from the community you give back in kind. We will always remember his wonderful stories and great sense of humor. I think someone wrote this phrase about Ken..."If you meet a man without a smile, give him one of yours. We miss you Ken!
Bernd M. Nagel
March 16, 2009
We all have lost a great fellow and personality. Ken will be missed. He had his heart at the right place and inspired people around him. I wish I could have told him more often how nice he was. My thoughts are with his family.
Martin Kean
March 16, 2009
Ken will be greatly missed by all who knew him from the Wirthwein Group and Carolina Technical Plastics. Ken was a great advocate for our Global company and treated everyone alike. With gentelemanly like respect.
Bill & Thea Kincaid
March 16, 2009
We are so sorry for your loss. Ken was one of the finest men we knew - may God bless you all during this difficult time. Much love
David Wilder
March 15, 2009
A legendary J. Press friend and colleague: he radiated class and goodness to new and old friends alike. My deepest sympathy to his wonderful family.
By and Marcia Shields
March 14, 2009
We are deeply grieved at Ken's passing. He was a great friend. But more than that, he was a very special person. A real gentleman of the old school, he was loyal, genuine, generous, interesting and the best of companions. Heaven's gain is our severe loss. We shall miss him greatly.
Jack and Jan Cianciotto
March 13, 2009
We were deeply saddened to learn of Ken's passing. We had just met him last year when we stayed at the Comfort Suites. He graciously stayed an hour or two later than his normal shift, and the three of us shared a pizza while we talked and talked. He was interested in our motorcycles and our lives, and we were interested in EVERYTHING about his life. Such a warm and genuine guy . . . Visited New Bern for a few days recently, and stayed at the Comfort Suites just because of wanting to see Ken again. Missed him by one day. He died the night before. He had spoken so beautifully about his wife and family. Our hearts walk beside yours in your grief. One didn't need to know Ken for more than a few minutes to remember him fondly and miss him terribly. Our prayers are with all of you who loved him.
Harry and Maureen Blair
March 13, 2009
Ken was one of my favorite new friends. Every time I saw him, he was smiling. He was so interesting to talk with. At Knights Templar convents, Ken was one I'd seek out. The world, and our organization will miss him greatly.
Peter Pagnutti
March 13, 2009
I regret the passing of a dear friend. I am glad that our paths of life crossed so that we enjoyed each others company.
Laura Jenkins
March 13, 2009
I was so sad to hear about the loss of Ken. I worked with Ken at the Comfort Suites years ago before moving back to Massachusetts. He was such a great guy and always had a good story for you! Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
March 12, 2009
We are so sorry for your loss. Ken was a dear friend and a wonderful neighbor. He was so very proud of his family - always! If you had a need, Ken was right there to help you fill it. We could always count on a warm hug and a smile from Ken and he will be so very missed. A donation will be made in Ken's name to one of his favorite charities. There's a new star in heaven tonight. Unfortunately, it's a little darker here on earth without him.
God bless his family and continue to show Ken's love to each of them.
Neighbors - Ken and Dianne Powell,
Mike and Joni Bass, Wayne and Cindy Bach
Alice Cooley
March 12, 2009
Ken was a fine gentleman.I met him through Samantha Proctor, (my sister) when he worked with her at Samanthas Interiors. He always had a smile and was always so polite to everyone. My daughter Lisa,remembers Ken as a very distinguished gentleman. May God bless his family now and in the days to come.
Paula England
March 12, 2009
Ken will be greatly missed especially by all the Chamber members. He was always a warm welcome for my clients at the Comfort Suites as well. To the family, I am truly sorry for your loss.
Dennis & Bea Palumbo
March 12, 2009
We were saddened to hear of your loss. We will miss seeing Ken at all of the Chamber of Commerce functions. It was always great to see his smiling face and visit with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Samantha Proctor
March 12, 2009
Ken was the "true gentleman" in every aspect. He made you want to strive to be a better human being. He had a "heart of gold" and would never say no to anyone who needed him. He will be missed. Ken made the world a better place.
Franky Waters
March 12, 2009
Kerri and Family,
My love and deepest sympathy to all of you. I am sorry that I did not meet your father but you spoke so highly of him that I know he was a very, very fine gentleman.
Franky Waters
Carol Hardy
March 12, 2009
My sincere sympathy to the family of such a kind, caring gentleman.
Claudine Halliday
March 12, 2009
My Uncle Ken was always ready to embrace us with a smile, kind words and a captivating story, usually about something funny we did as kids that always made him laugh. He cared so deeply for his family as well as the numerous friends he made once he and my Aunt Phyllis moved to New Bern. He was the most gentle and sweet soul and we are all lucky to have had him in our lives.
Pat Drake
March 12, 2009
We will miss his warm smile and cheerfulness. He was a true ambassador for our entire community.
March 12, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to Phyllis and Carrie. We loved Ken dearly and miss him already. He was a man of integrity, an elegant man with warm and gracious words. His love for people and quick smile always brighten the room. He is an inspiration and will be remembered fondly and frequently.
Peg & Charlton Burns
March 12, 2009
Ken will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know him. He was the example of what true hospitality is about. I will miss seeing his smiling face and warm welcome. My deepest sympathy to his beloved wife and family.
Barbara Ballard
March 12, 2009
To the Family,
My prayers are with you. Ken was a wonderful friend. He always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. I will truly miss my Chamber buddy a lot.
Always,
Joyce Fisher
Craven Co. Dept of Social Services
March 12, 2009
Eventhough I only new him for a short time, I will remember him by his smile and kind words whenever I would attend Chamber Events. He will be missed.
Kim Wells (Craven Co. DSS)
John Hetzler
March 12, 2009
Carol and I are truly saddened by Ken's passing. Always smiling, he was truly an extraordinary ambassador for New Bern and the Chamber. He never met a stranger and always made everyone feel better that was around him.
Mike Krauss
March 12, 2009
Although I did not know Ken personnaly, I remember seeing him at just about every Chamber event I went to. After reading about him and his acomplishments, I regret having never introducing myself. You have my deepest sympathies in your time of grief.
Amy Hammond
March 12, 2009
Ken was a wonderful person and great ambassador for the community. He will be missed.
Tarshi McCoy
March 12, 2009
It was an honor and a pleasure to know Ken. He will be deeply missed.
Mike Lynch
March 11, 2009
Although I only knew Ken for a few months as an Usher at St Paul's, he made a lasting impression on me as a true gentleman who loved life and enjoyed the company of everyone he met. It was an honor to have known him. He will be truly missed by this community. What a wonderful man he was! May God comfort the Trommer Family in this time of sorrow.
Sabrina Bengel
March 11, 2009
My deepest sympathy to Phyllis and her family. Ken made New Bern the special place it is by welcoming hundreds into our town always with a smile and graciousness. I will truly miss his kind words he always spoke when we saw each other. Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers. New Bern has lost its number one ambassador.
Bob Schwarzkopf
March 11, 2009
Ken was one of the first few people Sue and I met when we moved to New Bern three years ago. He quickly became and stayed a friend. We will miss his help and advice and kind ways. Whenever I would go to an event I could count on Ken being there, taking me under his wing and introducing me to everyone. Our most heart felt sympathies to Phillis and his family. Ken, you will be missed.
Jim Findley
March 11, 2009
He will be sorely missed.
W. David McFadyen, Jr
March 11, 2009
Always a smile and a warm handshake with a friendly gleam in his eyes. Ken was truly a unique gentleman and good friend. We were all blessed to have know him. Prayers to his family for his wonderful life.
George Angela Adamakis
March 11, 2009
To the Trommers family: Ken was a great man and we are happy to have known him.He will be missed dearly by all. We will hold you in our prayers.
Bill Naumann
March 11, 2009
Ken epitomized the essence of thoughtfulness and caring. Those of us touched by him were blessed. He carried sunshine and a smile with him even on the darkest days. He was the ultimate role model of a gentleman. You could not walk away from Ken without feeling a bit better than before. He must have been a real treasure for his family.
Joan Bottcher
March 11, 2009
I will miss not seeing my Ken at the Chambe functions, and at St. Paul's Catholic Church. He brought so much love and affection to me and to all he touched. Ken and his wife, Phyliss were such a wonderful couple. My prayers go out to Phyliss and their family. I am blest that I knew Ken; truly blest. He was the example of love to all he met. God made an angel when he created Ken. In sympathy, Joan Bottcher
Robert G. Raynor, Jr.
March 11, 2009
Ken was one of the finest human beings I've met. He was always pleasant and kind and exhibited a good spirit. He will be missed. To his family, please accept my condolences during this difficult time.
Gerri Thompson
March 11, 2009
My heart goes out to the family. Mr. Trommer was such a caring, giving man who touched many lives with his enthusiasm and dedication. The last time I saw Ken was about a week and a half ago at the funeral of a dear friend of mine. He was doing what he loved---being a wonderful friend! He will truly be missed in the community.
Agnes Derda
March 11, 2009
My sincere sympathy to the family. Mr. Trommer was such a kind gentle man. He was always so nice to me. My prayers are with you all.
Owen Parker
March 11, 2009
Ken was true gentlemen and remarkable ambassador for New Bern. He will be missed greatly by all of us. It was a pleasure to know him and work with him on several events. New Bern lost a great friend and more importantly a wonderful person.
Kevin Roberts
March 11, 2009
Phyllis, Kerrie and Kassandra, Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with us. Everyone who met him will long remember that smile and his willingness to help in any way he could. I'll remember the golf cart rides he and I always took late in the day during our golf tournament! He seemed to always be there for this Chamber, no matter what the occasion. It is a loss for us all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dawn Whitmore
March 11, 2009
We are praying for you during this time of sudden loss. Mr. Trommer was always such a wonderful and kind man. He supported the band and came to many events.
He will be greatly missed.
Judy Harkin
March 11, 2009
Ken was such a wonderfully positive, upbeat person. What a great ambassador he was for any activity he was involved in. And how he loved New Bern!
I feel priviledged to have known such a true gentleman. Ken was always charming, an attentive listerner, and really cared about the person he was talking to. I know that he will be missed by many.
Best wishes to his family.
Rodger Whitney
March 11, 2009
Ken was a man of life. He cannot be replaced as a friend, a strong advocate and a wise man. I will miss him everytime I attend a Chamber function...and his wave and smile on the street.
Let me know if I can be of any help.
Priscilla Miller
March 11, 2009
I'd met Ken at various events, but, I got to know him best recently when he came to help out at the MERCI Clinic sponsored dental clinic in January when he proudly introduced his daughter and granddaughter. Such a congenial man - friends with everyone. I feel privileged to have known him.
Doug and Bonnie Chaussee
March 11, 2009
We will certainly miss seeing Ken on our stays in New Bern. He was so warm and friendly and always remembered us. He always shared stories and was interested in our lives as well. Best wishes to Ken's family.
June and Patrick Dunleavy
March 11, 2009
I am so stunned and saddened by the loss of such a dear man as Ken. We met him at the Comfort Suites where we stayed in 2004 while looking for a home in New Bern. He was wonderfully friendly, kind and helpful. Since we were also from New Jersey, we had something in common. We loved his cookies! and a few times stopped in just to visit him. I saw him several times around town and we would fill each other in on our lives. Such a dear kind man! My brother and his wife also met him at Comfort Suites and he and Ken sat together a while each time to converse. They will be sad too. What a terrible loss to New Bern. Ken is irreplaceable.
Maureen DeRosia
March 11, 2009
Phyllis and Family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Both Alex and I agree that Ken will be dearly missed. We enjoyed his smiling face, his energy, and his obvious love of life.
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