John Michel deTriquet

Chesapeake, VA

Dr. John M. de Triquet, beloved husband, father, servant leader, pediatric Physician, and Vice Mayor of the City of Chesapeake, passed away early Friday morning following a very brief illness. John was born on October 31, 1948, in Newark, NJ to the late Thomas J. and Concetta Ann Comerci de Triquet. He was a graduate of St. Benedict Preparatory School in Newark. He then earned his BS Degree from St. Vincent College and was a graduate of Temple University School of Medicine.

Dr. de Triquet joined the United States Navy where he served his country proudly for more than eleven years, receiving the Navy Commendation Medal. He began his residency at the United States Naval Hospital in Philadelphia, PA and completed it at the Naval Regional Medical Center in Portsmouth, VA under the command of his mentor, Dr. Willian Bason. His first tour of duty was as a pediatrician at the NATO Base in Keflavik, Iceland. Some of his accolades were receiving the Governor's Committee Award from the Commonwealth of Virginia, President's Award from the Virginia Chapter of The American Academy of Pediatrics, and Health Care Hero from Inside Business, to name a few.

It was in early September in 1966 that he met the love of his life, Carole Lee Strojan, while at St. Vincent College. They would marry on August 7, 1971 at St. Edward Catholic Church in Herminie, PA. Together they raised a beautiful family with two children, Christine Marie de Triquet and John Paul de Triquet.

Dr. de Triquet devoted many years to the advocacy and care of abused children and was the first Medical Director of the Child Advocacy Center of Hampton Roads. As a Forensic Pediatrician, he testified in court in many child abuse cases, not only in Hampton Roads, but across the nation.

Dr. de Triquet was a humble man, never drawing attention to himself. An accomplished pianist, artist, and student of history, he loved quiet time at his piano, listening to classical music, or reading. His painting ranged from painting intricate miniature models to impressionistic pictures. He was a true Renaissance man in the model of Thomas Jefferson.

Dr. de Triquet loved and was devoted to his family, the thousands of children he cared for over the years, and the City of Chesapeake where he served as Vice-Mayor for more than 28 years. Dr. de Triquet never acted with anything less than honor, dignity, and above all, integrity. His wisdom, thoughtful demeanor, and desire to hear from all sides helped to shape Chesapeake into the thriving city it is today. His dedication to improving the lives of Chesapeake's residents, his leadership, and his unwavering belief in the mission of the "City That Cares" has left a lasting legacy on our community. John de Triquet was first elected to Chesapeake City Council in 1994 and served many terms as Vice Mayor He was last elected in 2022 with his term slated to end in 2026.

While many remember his three decades of service as an elected official, he marked the milestone of 50 years as a doctor and nearly 40 years as a pediatrician at The Children's Hospital of The Kings Daughters where he treated thousands of children over the years and solidified a legacy of compassion. Also referred to as a "Renaissance Man," or a "Consummate Pediatrician," he was extremely bright and very well read. He was highly respected and enjoyed other interests and hobbies such as history, the New York Yankees, and was an accomplished musician playing the piano beautifully. He served as council's parliamentarian, wrote the current Rules of Order and Procedure and was the calm voice of reason for conducting meetings. He was also referred to as council's financial guru.

CHKD President and CEO Amy Sampson referred to him as a "trailblazer" in caring for the needs of children suffering from abuse and neglect. He was CHKD's first physician dedicated to this patient population and tirelessly advocating for these young victims to help scores of children that have been traumatized and abused. "He lived a life of service to others and has left the world a better, safer place for children". The children who affectionately called him "Dr. D" may remember him most for his love of the Peanuts character Snoopy that was prominent in the décor of his office at Pediatric Specialists in Grassfield. "Dr. D" was always cracking jokes making children feel comfortable and explaining their individual scenarios age-appropriate which would always make the children feel super secure. He often made sure to reach out to the parents directly for medical discussions, just another testament to his "above and beyond" care. His legacy lives on through the love of his life, Carole Lee Strojan de Triquet to whom he was married for more than 54 years; their loving daughter, Christine Marie de Triquet and her husband, Frank Byrum of Suffolk, VA; their loving son, John Paul de Triquet and his husband, Carlos Fernandez of New York, New York, as well as his brother-in-law, Richard Strojan of Herminie, PA.

A Remembrance will be held at Chesapeake City Hall, 306 Cedar Road, on Monday, September 8, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.

A private Celebration of life of Dr. John Michel de Triquet will be held at a later time at the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. Deacon Derek Turrietta of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church will officiate. Inurnment will follow with military honors accorded by the United States Navy. Memorial contributions may be made to Children's Hospital of The Kings Daughters at https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/dr-john-m-de-triquet-memorial-fund/14222/ in honor of Dr. John Michel de Triquet. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.omanfh.com.