Philip R. Trosko

Okemos - age 51, passed away on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at home. He was born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee; grew up in East Lansing; Madison, Wisconsin, and Okemos. He attended Okemos High School, University of Wisconsin-Madison (with a B.S., in Computer Science [1988]) and Michigan State University (Masters of Science in Computer Science [1992]). During this period, he spent one summer at Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago and two summers at Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico working on the Human Genome Project. After he was diagnosed with Bipolar Disease, he had several short career experiences. He is survived by his parents, Beverly Kay and James Edward Trosko, Aunt Barbara (Richard) Walker and Uncle Gerald (Anita) Dowell of Battle Creek, Michigan. He is also survived by cousins- Jeffery (Carolyn) Walker; Stephen (Christine) Walker; Melinda (Martin) Berg; Karen(Mathew) Domsic; David (Jill) Dowell; Connie (Peyton) Owston; Beverly (William) Weideman; and Larry (Kathy) Trosko. Phil had many local, national and international friends. He was characterized as a "social magnet" and had great compassion for suffering children and for all kinds of wild critters. A memorial service will be held in the future at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing chapel (www.greastlansing.com) providing information as to the date and specific place. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish to make a donation, Philip would have preferred the Greater Lansing Food Bank to help hungry children or the Red Cross.

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Published by Lansing State Journal on Mar. 25, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip Trosko

Sponsored by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes.

10 Entries

Sandra V

June 13, 2019

I'm very belated because I just came across this obituary more than a year after Phil's death. I've lost contact with all of my school friends and periodically look for info about them online to see what they're up to. I am totally shocked and saddened to find out Phil passed away. I was in grad school at the same time as he was, in the Computer Science department at MSU. He was such a gifted guy but so friendly and fun too, I instantly liked him the first time I met him. I have many great memories, my favorite has to be when we convinced a school newspaper photographer who took our photo that we were both named Anton (in honor of two phenomenally smart Antons who were in the program at that time). I still have a copy of the newspaper, it's going to invoke different feelings when I look at it again. :-/ I think everyone who met Phil liked him. It's just hard to believe he's gone now, as an earthly being at least. Much too soon.

Russel Olson

May 1, 2018

Dear Troskos,

I have been thinking a lot over these last weeks since Phil's passing. Of course, I want to say how sorry I am for your loss, first and foremost. But instead of dwelling on loss, I'd like to note all of the wonderful things that your son brought into this world with him. I remember what a sweet, soft spoken child he was, such an incredibly lovely boy. I remember him as an outstanding and brilliant young man; I'm sure you were so very proud of him. After that terrible illness took hold of him, I saw him among his peers at a group home where he lived: he appeared to be a leader and inspiration to all who came in touch with him. When I last saw him he was upbeat, in an excellent mood, and obviously looking forward to the future. This speaks volumes about his character, who he was as a man, despite the manifold challenges he faced. I am a much, much richer person for having known him in this life, and I am hopeful that we can all acknowledge the loss of a bright star, but also celebrate the fact that that star burned near to us, and made our world a warmer, brighter place.

Sincerely,

Russel Olson

Jennifer Zuker

April 19, 2018

Dear Jim and Kay,
I am very shocked and sad that Phil has passed away. I always enjoyed talking with him when he would visit the lab or when we have come over to your house. You all are in my thoughts.

Isabel Leader

April 2, 2018

Dear Kay and Jim:
I have been heart broken about the sudden loss of Phillip.
I know there are no words that can express my most sincere condolences to the most loving and dedicated parents that I have ever known. I will keep you in my prayers for a very long time.

David McFarlane

March 31, 2018

I'm sorry that Phil has gone. He was a sharp guy with a good heart.

March 27, 2018

I'm sorry to hear that. Phil was a former guitar student and friend.

Rob Blankenhorn

March 27, 2018

I will miss Phil greatly. He had a brilliant mind and an inquisitive spirit that will be sorely missed. God bless you, Phil.

Julie Robert

March 25, 2018

Mr. and Mrs. Trosko, I worked with Phil for many years at the ACT Program. I am so very sorry for your loss. Phil was a very intelligent, warm, caring person who was known by many around the world. May he rest in peace.

Ying Beher

March 20, 2018

Dear Kay and Jim, Steve and I are saddened to hear of your sudden loss of dear Phil. Our hearts are with you in this time of sorrow. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We will be always available if you ever need anything!

Judy Green

March 16, 2018

Kay and Jim, Ron and I were shocked to hear of Phil's passing. We want you know our hearts are heavy for both of you. We will keep you close to our hearts as you come to grips with physically losing Phil. He will always be with you in your hearts and memories.

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