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Ernest Trefz Obituary
Ernest C. Trefz, age 84, beloved husband of Joan Frisk Trefz, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 25, 2017 with his loving family by his side. Born in New Haven on December 19, 1932, he was a son of the late Christian and Katherine Pfister Trefz. A U.S. Army veteran, he was the CEO of Trefz Corporation. Ernest was a noted businessman and philanthropist. He was a member of the University of Bridgeport Board of Trustees for over 30 years; he was very proud to always give back to the community and the university, where there is a School of Business named after him. He supported many foundations and charities throughout his career. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling the world. But above all of his accomplishments and roles in life, none was greater than that of husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His greatest moments were found in the time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He always put his responsibilities first, taught his family the value of a strong work ethic and hard work and put a special emphasis on the value of a good education and having honest respect for and appreciation of other people. His love and memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved him. In addition to his beloved wife of 59 years, Joan, survivors include three loving children, Linda Trefz, Chris Trefz and his wife Trish and Paul Trefz and his fiancé Susana Silva; eight cherished grandchildren, Theresa, Alex, Kevin, Christian Jr., Kendal, Josie, Gretchen and Wyatt; three adored great-grandchildren, Cal, Leila and Scarlet; a brother, Christian J. Trefz and his wife Eva and a niece and nephew, Tara Locke and Jimmy Trefz. He also leaves to cherish his memory many dear friends and colleagues whose lives he has touched throughout his career. Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. directly in Trumbull Congregational Church, 3115 Reservoir Ave, Trumbull. Interment with military honors will follow in the Mountain Grove Cemetery, Bridgeport. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Ronald McDonald House of New Haven, 501 George St., New Haven, CT 06511, or The Ronald McDonald House of Greater Hudson Valley, 80 Woods Rd., Valhalla, NY 10595. To leave an online condolence, visit us at www.abriola.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Trefz
Winthrop E. Baum
February 21, 2024
Ernie Trefz will always be remembered by me as my father´s very best friend. I wish all the Trefz family kind recollections of the days Walter and Ernie were together, enjoying each other´s success.
Sincerely,
Winthrop and Stefanie Baum
Danny Biondi
August 30, 2017
Erine was a great man and will forever be remembered, I use to work for him in Waterbury and learned a lot from him.
Cindy Kreutzberg
August 24, 2017
Joan, it's Cindy the designer.
I spoke to John today, and I ask as always how Ernie was doing.
I was very sad to hear he passed away.
Ernie was so good to me, I was this little business and he made me feel like I was a million dollar corporation.
He was such a kind man
We all have lost a good friend..
Rosemary Gombar Stutz
March 28, 2017
I knew him since I was a kid. What a great guy! Always enjoyed his sense of humor, and appreciated how welcoming he was to us despite our loud teen-age antics. Best to all his family.
John P. Bartilomo
March 25, 2017
We are deeply saddened by the news of Ernie's passing. Our heartfelt condolences to you, Joan, Chris and your entire family. My family and I are praying for you all. Strong love to you all from the west.
With Loving Memory and Sympathy,
The Bart's
Jeannie and Tom Deacon
March 12, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss.
We remember Ernie fondly.
We now live in Connecticut and just now saw the sad news.
Mary Tucker
March 9, 2017
Chris, Trish Paul & Family: We are so sorry for your loss of your Dad. What a proud man he was of all of you. Love Mary Billy Tonya Alexis Vanessa & Shauna
Joe Carey
March 5, 2017
I am deeply saddened to hear of Ernie's passing. He was a man that I held in high esteem having learned many valuable lessons from him throughout the years.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Trefz Family.
John Guerci
March 3, 2017
I met Ernie at the Allerton ave store in the Bronx, I was hired just before the grand opening in 1973. It was my pleasure to met and work with Mr Trefz. Sorry for your loss.
Joe Sekelsky
March 2, 2017
To the Trefz Family, We at Taylor Freezer of CT are very sorry for your loss. Ernie was a great business man, and will be missed.
From Joe Sekelsky and the Taylor Family
Jean Valenti
March 1, 2017
My deepest condolences to you Joan and your family on your recent loss. I will always remember "Ernie" as the quiet kid in my homeroom at Lyman Hall High School in
Wallingford, Connecticut and seeing him at our 65th Class Reunion, Class of 1950. May he now be resting in peace.
Sincerely,
Denice Sherwood
March 1, 2017
To the Trefz Family , My deepest Sympathy to a great man . Always humble and kind . May he Rest In Peace .
Pam Boulier
March 1, 2017
Rest in Peace Ernie. You were such an inspiration to me and many of my siblings. Although it has been many years since we last spoke, the memories of you, your family and leadership have remained and I am forever grateful. For seventeen years I happily worked for your company and can say it was truly the best. May eternal rest shine upon you. Thank you for all those wonderful years.
Pam Boulier (Sodano) Trefz Corp. 1976- 1993
Al Rojowski Sr.
March 1, 2017
A very good,kind person. Rest in Peace with God..Remembering Mr.E.Trefz, when worked at Roessler Co. Bpt.
February 28, 2017
Dear Joan, please accept our sincere condolences on the passing
Of Ernie. Always remember the good times with him and keep
Those happy memories forever in your heart! Love,
Carmen & Arnold Dorosario
Michael Riccio
February 28, 2017
My sincere condolences to the entire Trefz family
michael jelormine
February 28, 2017
To the Trefz family
The Bridgeport area business community has lost a real pioneer and one of our leading entrepreneur's. He will be sorely missed
Judy Solo
February 28, 2017
Dear Joan: I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear husband Ernie. My sincere sympathy to you and your entire family. Judy Solo
February 28, 2017
we were saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Trefz. He was such a kind spirited man and he always had a kind word. He loved his family and always had a story. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Dave,Sandy & Donna Precision Hearing
Mr.&Mrs.Fred Bietsch
February 28, 2017
Dear Joan and family. We were saddened to learn about your beloved husband Ernie. Sorrow runs deep, Love runs deeper. Dorothy and Fred Bietsch.
Keith Santacroce
February 28, 2017
A true pioneer in the McDonald's business. I remember the stories my dad would tell me as I traveled with him visiting the different McDonald's as an excited 5 year old "inspector". My dad would tell me" That's the most important man we deal with, he supplies all the fresh beef to our restaurants". Thank you Ernie for helping to trail blaze this great brand to where it is today. My prayers to ALL members of the Trefz family.
Miriam Greenbaum
February 28, 2017
Dear Joan, I am so sorry about the loss of your beloved husband. Love Miriam Greenbaum
February 28, 2017
THE COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING FOR A VETERAN HAS PASSED AWAY. RIP
Mark Frank
February 27, 2017
Ernie was one of those executives younger men in McDonald's looked up to and admired. Fabulously successful and impeccably tailored he carried himself with quiet dignity and confidence. Everyone who had dealings with him respected him and walked away with reverence for him as a person and as a business and McDonald's leader. His firm yet calm nature made him a dominant force in any setting, a quiet, introspective man when he spoke it was like one of those EF Hutton commercials, people listened. I attended many meetings in which the tide of a business discussion was changed for the better because of the logic of his argument. I, like so many others, admired Ernie and I would like to think some of who I am today is the result of having known, worked with and for him. McDonald's was a better more franchise focused organization as a result of his efforts throughout his many years in the business. He will be missed, and like other McDonald's leaders on both sides of the business who precede him, corporate and franchise, he made his mark and paved the way for so many others. Nothing better can be said, he was part of a company that became one of the most successful making his mark among the ranks of Ray Kroc, Fred Turner, Harry Sonneborn, Jerry Newman and so many others. I was privileged to have known him.
Sandra Nacewicz
February 27, 2017
Dear Joan,
So sorry to hear about Ernie. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With much love,
Sandy Nacewicz
Anthony and Diane Portanova
February 27, 2017
Diane and I send you and your family our heartfelt condolences. Ernest was a man of honor and took pride in all he accomplished. We will miss his support, advice and friendship.
God bless you all during these trying times.
fred giordano
February 27, 2017
R.I.P. Mr. T,You were a good man!
Tom Castelot
February 27, 2017
Condolences and prayers for Ernest, Joan, and the Trefz Family.
Richard Cunningham
February 27, 2017
Joan and family, Please accept my deepest sympathies
Winthrop Baum
February 27, 2017
Ernie will be missed by many, but the Baum family will remember Ernie as Walter's best friend for so many years. May the memory of Ernie be as a blessing for all who knew him. May the Trefz family find comfort in his remembrance. Winthrop & Stefanie
Dominick and family Sorge
February 27, 2017
A life well lived.May he rest in God's peace and may God grant solace to all who mourn his loss
February 26, 2017
RIP Ernie.
Linda Jedidian Merchant
February 26, 2017
Trefz Family
I am saddened to hear of Ernie's passing. I always learned something from him whenever I interacted with him at McDonald's. He was such a kind and well-respected man. May you find comfort in your many memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
John Paul
February 26, 2017
Mr Trefz was an icon in the community. A man to look up to and someone that I just sat and listened to and tried to soak in every word. I will never forget when he personally walked me around after a business meeting and showed me every one of his buildings and all the history and antiques that were buried in some of those historic structures. It was a great day that I will never forget. A great man that will be sorely missed.
Sympathy to his family.
Larry Merriam
February 26, 2017
Ernie was a wonderful man. I am sorry I will be out of town for the funeral. His memory will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Larry Ganim
February 26, 2017
Ernie is a man that I have immense respect for as a husband, father, grandfather, friend and businessman. An amazing human being that I will truly miss! My heart goes out to the Trefz family for your loss, his loss is a loss to the community as a whole.
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