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Charles Trimbach Obituary
Charles Munro Trimbach Jr., 75, of Pawtucket, RI, passed away September 29th. He leaves behind six children — Charles III, Heidi, Henry, Jesse, Sam, June Rose, a grandchild Zachary, his former wife Liz, his Aunt Jane and many other loving relatives.
Charles was born in Pawtucket, RI. He received his PhD from Princeton University and was a beloved professor of psychology at Roger Williams U for 37 years, focusing on humanistic, evolutionary, and physiological psychology. Professor Trimbach was a dedicated Democratic Socialist and humanitarian. Intolerant of all bigotry, he believed, above all things, in the pursuit of a socially just and truly egalitarian society. He loved bonobos, foreign films and tv, diverse music, nature, literature, and most of all, spending time with his family.
There will be a public memorial Friday or Saturday at Swan Point Cemetery. For complete service info visit, OlsonParent.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Southern Poverty Law Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Trimbach
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Richard Golodner
September 27, 2025
Well old friend not much to say at 60, health issues, taking care of our homes.
I feel a great slowdown upon my mind and body.
We will be talking soon I feel.
Always your friend,Richard
Melanie Lambert
September 24, 2025
Dr, Trimbach made things interesting in school. He took the beaten path and shared it with us.
Rich
September 27, 2024
Another year if you not being here. Perhaps you are fortunate, things are a mess.
Two idiots running for president, war and terrorism. We as human beings have fallen down a step or two.
I do wonder what you might have to say if you were here now.
My life and perspectives are better for knowing you dear friend. Miss you and we will catch up when we both are in the same neighborhood.
Always. Rich.
Richard Golodner
September 27, 2023
Wow, five years of you being gone. The world needs more people like you right now. Your presence could light up a dark room. You are missed and I am a better man for knowing you. Thank you Charles. Meet you on the next one and I won't be late.
Rich
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A Rare Kind of Teacher
Shawn Selders
April 18, 2020
I loved, Loved, LOVED attending his classes. He was unique in his approach and a pleasure to be around. I was so lucky to randomly have him for Psych 1 my 1st semester of college. Changed my life. I switched from Business to Psychology and took as many of his classes as possible over the next 3 semesters. I'll always feel regret for not speaking up in his class a lot more. Considering how he taught, that must have been frustrating for him....that so few spoke up when we had so much to say about what he was teaching us. Charles was big into consciousness and awareness and living in the moment. He was not into trusting authority at all. He was into questioning everything. And of course he covered the basics......like Skinner......and Pavlov's dogs, etc. He always tried to get the class involved in discussion. But we were young and mostly timid unfortunately. It's very sad to hear he has died.
Dina Cote, Esq.
December 31, 2019
Chuck was a Professor of mine during his early career when he was so very eager to convey a body of knowledge with an open mind and have an intellectual exchange with his students. His intelligence, range of diverse interests, sensitivity, perceptiveness, and humor always made for an interesting and enjoyable meeting of minds. He was among a handful of truly great teachers during my years in academia. He cared about how others thought and used their thinking. He also encouraged me to think further by asking questions and helped me to be inspired by my own curiosity. My deepest sympathies to all who were touched by this gentle brilliant man.
October 16, 2019
Charels was my favorite teacher at RWC. WE connected on a different astral plane than most others that I knew did.
He out taught all the other psych professors at the school and was also a great conversationalist.
His love of teaching was evident every time he waked to the lecturn and smiled.
He would say, "let me mention something",and that would grab everyone's attention. He had that sly way of getting his point across so that everyone knew what he was trying to teach and to understand it as well.
I knew he believed that this is not the end of the journey, just a phase and at some point we will catch up again to continue our chat.
Rest in Peace my gentle friend.
Always, Richard Golodner
Kelly Monaghan Nagle
June 5, 2019
I'm very sorry to read that Charles has passed. He was the teacher I remember most fondly from my years at Roger Williams (1981-85). His calm, kind manner made him so approachable. I will remember his laugh and the twinkle in his eyes. Having him as a teacher changed my life for the better. I feel truly blessed to have known him. May he Rest In Peace.
Sheila Lyons-wallace
February 20, 2019
I just learned today that Chuck passed. I can't even begin to tell you the sadness and grief I feel at the death of Chuck. I thought of him often and always hoped our paths would cross again but that never happened. Chuck was a dear and loyal friend who was there for me when we lost my love Henry. A lifetime ago. My sincere condolences to Chuckie and Heidi and Liz. A life time passed for me without reconnecting and I will regret that for the rest of my days. God speed Chuck and here's hoping you and Henry are sitting together laughing and loving again.
Marilynn Mair
October 8, 2018
Charles was the optimistic ray of sunshine I met in the halls at Roger Williams University. He always had time to share a word of encouragement, an opinion, a cheerful adieu. I send my love to his family. Charles was a force for good and RWU is a better place for his years of teaching and advocacy.
Colin Carter
October 5, 2018
Sorry to hear of Charles' death. He was a great guy and I enjoyed his company.
Colin Carter (I guess he was my "step son in law" since I was married to Mary Jane, mother of Charles' second wife liz)
Tina Sterling
October 3, 2018
We were deeply saddened to hear that the world lost such a great man. May you find calm, peace and comfort in this time of grief.
Bonita Cade
October 3, 2018
Charles was a wonderful friend, mentor and role model. He was patient and kind and had a smile for everyone. He would a man of heart and compassion. He would tear up when discussing the Holocaust because the horror was more than he could fathom from his fellow human beings. Once , one of his sons and my student in response to an assignment to write about a "hero" discussed what a great father Charles was in detail. Not hard to believe right? The world, my world is a smaller , darker place because Charles Trimbach is not sharing the earth with us.
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