Samuel Isac Trotz

Samuel Isac Trotz died peacefully at home on the evening of July 17, 2025, surrounded by Vivian, his loving wife of nearly 70 years, his daughter, Susan and his son, Marc. In addition to Vivian, Susan, and Marc, Sam is survived by his beloved daughters-in-law, Eileen Bolinsky and Anita Liboff, grandsons Jonah (Samantha) and Leo, and great-grandson, Theo. Sam's sister, Shirley (Trotz) Posner and brother, Herman Trotz, predeceased him. Sam also enjoyed the love and company of many nieces, nephews, and cousins both in the U.S. and abroad.
Sam's parents, Ella and Harry Trotz, were born in Kosov, Poland. Sam was born in 1927 and grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was raised with a strong grounding in traditional Judaism and his attachment to his faith and culture remained strong throughout his life.
He earned a B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry at the University of Tennessee and went on to attain a Ph.D. in Chemistry at St. Louis University. It was there that he met Vivian Garfinkel on a blind date. Sam grew up speaking Yiddish and, when he was waiting for Viv to start their first date, he readily engaged her mother in Yiddish conversation. By the time Viv made it into the room to meet Sam, her mother was quite sure Sam was the man for her daughter. Sam and Viv were married one year later on November 6, 1955 (on Sam's birthday).
Sam worked as a Research Chemist for Olin Corporation, first in Buffalo, and later in New Haven. Sam held some 20 patents over the course of his career.
In retirement, Sam and Viv enjoyed a bi-coastal life, living six months in Falmouth and six months in Berkeley, CA. Living in Berkeley allowed them to be part of their grandchildren's lives. In Berkeley, they were active in Temple Beth El. In Falmouth, they were deeply involved in the Falmouth Jewish Congregation. Sam could often be found serving community meals and building the Sukkah.
Sam had a passion for the outdoors and the natural world. He was an avid camper, hiker, and swimmer. He was among the founders of the Buzzards Bay Coalition that works to protect clean water in communities of Southeastern New England. For years, in the early mornings, Sam and his crew could be found sampling the waters of the many ponds in the Falmouth/Woods Hole region.
Sam was at his happiest when the house was alive with his wife, his children and their spouses, and his grandchildren. The real star of his life was his wife Viv. As long as he was with her, nothing else really mattered. You could often find Sam a little removed from the action, gazing at Viv with a slight smile.
Even as aging began to take its toll on Sam's memory and mobility, he could count on Viv's unwavering love and support to keep him engaged with people and with life. When Rosh Hashanah rolled around each year, Sam would blow his own shofar.
Sam's family is holding a private gathering for the immediate family. A celebration of Sam's life will be planned for a later date. Donations in Sam's memory may be made to Buzzards Bay Coalition (https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org), the ACLU (https://www.aclu.org) in your region, or the Jewish Alliance of Law and Social Action (JALSA) (https://www.jalsa.org).
May the memory of Sam's long and full life be a blessing for all who mourn his passing. Zichrono l'vracha!