Robert E. Trichka

Trichka, Robert E.
Robert E. (Bob) Trichka, 73, passed away peacefully Friday morning, (December 9, 2011), at his home in Aiken. Passionate about education and activity in all their dimensions, he expressed these passions in ways that touched the lives of many. Bob was born on July 18, 1938, in Bridgeport, CT, and raised along with his brother Carl Trichka by his mother, Emily (Kulishek) Trichka. While in Bridgeport, he proudly achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended the University of Connecticut, earning his bachelor's and master's degrees in Physical Education. He was active in the college community, pledging Sigma Chi fraternity, playing football for three straight Yankee Conference champions, and courting his wife of 51 years, Warrie. He spent his career immersed in physical education in all its forms, first teaching high school in Hicksville, NY, then spending 38 notable years at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU). While at CCSU, he earned his doctorate in Physical Education at Springfield College in 1986, was appointed to a full professorship, and dedicated himself to instilling the love of physical activity and sport into thousands of students. He coached CCSU football and tennis teams each for 18 years, consistently bringing passion, a smile, and Czech Power to bear in those roles. For many years, he directed the CCSU Summer Day Camp, where he shared his love of play with hundreds of children ages 5 to 12. Later in his teaching career, he turned his academic attention to sport psychology, becoming a noted expert in the field and publishing over 30 articles on violence and aggression in the sporting arena. He retired from CCSU as a Professor Emeritus in 2002. Throughout his life, Bob loved to travel with Warrie, and various trips to Africa, Europe and Alaska gave rise to memories he cherished. He particularly looked forward to summers at the family cottage on Penobscot Bay in Castine, ME, where he could be surrounded by water, woods, Warrie, and most importantly, his grandchildren. When "down south" for the colder months, he turned to golf as a channel for his activity and love of camaraderie. While he knocked down a hole-in-one in 2007, he was best known as a scratch golfer on the 19th hole. Bob is survived by his wife, Warrie Trichka; his daughter Stacey Trichka of Bolton, CT; his son Stephen Trichka of Endwell, NY; and three grandchildren, Josephine, Mary and Isaac. The family would like to thank both Trinity Hospice and Catherine Day for the care and compassion they provided to Bob over his final weeks.
A Requiem Mass will be con-celebrated at 1 p.m. on Thursday, (December 15th), at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, corner of Park Ave. and York St., Aiken. Memorial contributions in Bob's memory may be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation (www.pcf.org), or any other charity of the giver's choice. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through www.georgefuneralhomes.com.