John Gilpin Troast

John Gilpin Troast, 93, of North Palm Beach, Florida passed away peacefully on September 19th. He was surrounded by family including his loving wife Eileen at his home in Harvey Cedars, New Jersey where he spent summers for nearly 85 years.
John was born in Passaic, New Jersey and grew up in Passaic and Clifton. He was the fourth child of Paul Lyman Troast and Eleanor (Mahony) Troast. He was the last of his siblings Paul Jr., Kathleen (Pitney), and Arthur.
John was a graduate of Georgetown Preparatory School (1949) and Bucknell University (1953). He was particularly proud of a four-generation family tradition at Bucknell that included his uncle, his brother, three sons and two grandsons. John was also a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
While at Bucknell, John enlisted in The United States Navy's Officer Candidate School (OCS) and was commissioned in the Navy following graduation, rising to the rank of Second Lieutenant and serving during the Korean War. Following his return from service John married his wife, Eilleen (Murphy) of Passaic.
John Troast was a business leader and active supporter of many charitable organizations over a career that spanned 50 years. In 1955 he joined the Mahony Troast Construction Company of Clifton, New Jersey, a firm founded by his father Paul Lyman Troast. Paul Troast was Chairman of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority during the time of its construction.
John was an integral part of the firm's second-generation expansion into commercial real estate development. This growth corresponded with the changing landscape of New Jersey, first in the industrial market and then in the burgeoning suburban office, retail and hotel sectors. John was active in the early redevelopment of the Hackensack Meadowlands and was joined by his sons Jack and Brian- part of the third generation Troast Enterprises. He was proud of the evolution of his father's successful history as a builder and their role in many prominent real estate projects throughout New Jersey. John would later be joined in the business by his three other sons- Greg, Doug and Gary. He greatly enjoyed his time working in a family firm that included his five sons.
John was very active in professional and community activities throughout his professional career. He served on the Board of New Jersey Manufacturer's Insurance Company from 1986 to 2004. John also served on the Board of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association. He was a dedicated member of the Board of Trustees of Felician Sister's College in Lodi and named Chairman in 1983. He was awarded the degree of doctor of humane letters by Felician College in 1998.
John raised his family in Wyckoff, New Jersey where he resided for 35 years. He was a faithful parishioner of St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church; a member of the Wyckoff Jaycees and he coached little league baseball. Following a successful career, he moved to North Palm Beach, Florida. His homes in Florida and Long Beach Island were often frequented by children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His interests included genealogy, travel, golf, and he was a lifetime New York Yankees fan.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Eileen, his son Jack and his wife Regina of Carlisle, MA; Brian and his wife Suzanne of Weehawken, NJ; Greg and his wife Lyn of Harvey Cedars, NJ; Doug and his wife Joanie of Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ; and Gary and his wife Alix of Jupiter, FL; his 14 grandchildren- John III, Brian Jr, Tyler, Brittanny, Luke, Keenan, Duncan, Chloe, Chelsea, Conner, Justin, Owen, Olivia, and Emma and 10 great- grandchildren.
John was known for often-used phrases coined by his friends as "Johnisms." His favorite farewell remark was, "see you in the funnies." This always prompted a smile. Godspeed Pop.
The family is planning a Celebration of Life for a future date. Arrangements and private cremation are under the direction of Bugbee-Riggs Funeral Home, Ship Bottom.