Michael was training in a commercial Beechcraft Baron when it crashed into a field near Leshara about 3 p.m. He was serving at Offutt Air Force Base (AFB) near Omaha, in the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron, copiloting the RC-135 in various missions around the world including tours in Japan, Alaska, Hawaii, England, Greece and recently Al Udeid.

Born April 6, 1989, in West Reading, Pa., he was the son of Michael S. Trubilla and Sherry A. (Olenick) Trubilla, both of Muhlenberg Township.

He was a 2007 honors graduate of Muhlenberg High School, where he was a member of the soccer, tennis and swimming teams. He was active in theater and chorus, played trombone in concert, jazz and marching band, led student council and was involved in various clubs including science olympiad.

He earned his BSA Eagle Scout Award in 2006, which at his ceremony in March 2007, he was greatly surprised by being handed his USAF Academy Appointment.

Capt. Trubilla was a 2011 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, where he earned a degree in Astronautical Engineering and was a member of the Drum and Bugle Corps and Academy Orchestra.

Michael, then Lieutenant, received the prestigious Air Force Science and Technology Cadet Research Award in August 2011 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. He created a composite fuel system for propulsion of satellites to help save NASA's $50 million investment in Stirling

engines.

He completed flight school January 2013 on the

T1 airframe at Laughlin AFB before continuing his career at Offutt AFB in Nebraska.

He loved his 1999 Ford Mustang, the first car he bought from his father and learned to drive in, but most important to him was his family and spending time with his brothers between Air Force deployments.

Michael was a member of Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic (R.C.) Church, Hyde Park.

Michael is survived by his three brothers: Nathan A., Robert L. and Christopher R., all of Muhlenberg Township.

He is also survived by his paternal grandmother, Lucille (Luda), widow of Peter J. Trubilla, of Hamburg.

Michael was predeceased by his maternal grandparents: Nicholas and Norma Olenick.

Viewings will be held Thursday evening, August 4th, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale, and Friday morning, August 5th, from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. in Holy Guardian Angels R.C. Church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday,

August 5th, at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Guardian Angels R.C. Church, 3121 Kutztown Road, Reading, PA 19605.

Burial with full Military Honors will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hawk Mountain Council, Boy Scouts of America, 5027 Pottsville Pike, Reading, PA 19605 (Please memo Michael D. Trubilla) or to Holy Guardian Angels R.C. Church at the above address.

For online condolences, visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Reading Eagle from Jul. 31 to Aug. 4, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Trubilla

Sponsored by Michael's Loving Family.

18 Entries

Tony Camilli, Lt Col, USAF

August 3, 2016

As a fellow airman and graduate of Muhlenberg High School, I am terribly sorry for your loss. God Bless Michael, my brother in arms, and may God Bless the extended Trubilla family.

Gina RIEGEL

August 2, 2016

Sherry and family-
I am so sorry to hear of the tragic loss of your son. I know you and your family were extremely proud of all he accomplished. May God's strength be with you all.

Brothers in Blue

August 2, 2016

Mike, Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your son. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Brenda Beissel

August 1, 2016

I am sorry to hear about your Son, I know you were both very proud of him and will miss him dearly..my prayers are with you and your family for peace and healing.
From your friend and AT&T/Agere/Lucent co worker

Tabby. (Sharon and Tom Tablone

August 1, 2016

Mike and family, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son, are thoughts and prayers are with you.

High Flight

Jan Rhoads, Col, USAF ret

August 1, 2016

My deepest sympathy. I was very sad to hear Mike died in a crash. He loved what he did and he accomplished a lot in his short career. I was excited when he received his appointment to USAFA. I've attached High Flight poem which all flyers are familiar with & I hope you find some solace in it words.

Sue Kasopsky

August 1, 2016

To the Trubilla family from the Kasopsky family: Can't even count all the memories we have had together over the years. Our hearts go out to all of you. Kevin and Michael were the best of friends for so many years and shared so much and Kevin is taking this loss very hard and in a very personal way. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. If you need anything, we are here. Sue, Kevin, Steven, and Shaun Kasopsky

Son of WWII Veteran

August 1, 2016

Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss for your Son and Brother. It tears at the heart of our community when we loose an Veteran in the field, But hits us all harder when it happens so unexpectly and this close to home. He sounds like an extremely accomplish young man. Be comforted in the fact that Our Lord in Heaven has given him a permanant set of wing so he may watch over you all. God Bless and Comfort you.

Rev. Robert Stewart

August 1, 2016

I was so saddened to learn of Michael's tragic death. He was a faithful and exemplary young man. To the family and friends, please know that you are in my prayers at this most difficult time.

Shirley Camilli

August 1, 2016

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family Sherry. A little while ago we were talking about your son and I was thinking what an amazing young man he was. Please know I am thinking about you and hope you find peace through this hard time.

Dave & Susie Ciscon

August 1, 2016

So very sorry and sad to hear of Mike's death. I knew him as a outstanding high school student and very proud of him getting into and graduating from the USAF Academy. Mike served his God & Country with honor. Our condolences and prayers are with the entire Trubilla family. For Father Mike, who I worked with and shared the Veterans Network together, my sincere prayers and keep your faith in GOD during this difficult time.
Dave & Susie Ciscon

Henry

July 31, 2016

My heartfelt condolences to the Trubilla family for your loss.

Jim, Marian, Justin, and Matthew Wanner

July 31, 2016

Mike, Sherry, Nathan, Robert, and Christopher we are so sorry for your loss. Michael was an amazing young man. He was an exceptional role model. We will pray for him and for all of you. Your faith will get you through this difficult time.

In Jesus Christ!

Anthony Re

July 31, 2016

Our deepest sympathies to the family. May God grant Michael peace and rest. God Bless, in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

grandson of a ww2 veteran

July 31, 2016

My heartfelt condolences to the family of capt trubilla . a grateful nation thanks you sir for your selfless service and ultimate sacrifice . god speed

Fran Krotulski

July 31, 2016

Mike, Sherry, Nathan, Robert & Christopher: Words are so inadequate to express the sorrow I am feeling for your loss. Michael was such an exceptional young man, who had already achieved so much in his short time on earth. My prayers for all of you is that your faith will remain strong and carry you through this most difficult time. Lean on your family and friends for support and continue to remember all the happy memories and Michael's love for his family. I will continue to hold you all, as well as Mike, in my thoughts and prayers.

Sandy Hummel

July 31, 2016

Very sorry for your family's loss! Wish I could have thanked him for his service. RIP Michael!

July 31, 2016

Mike, Sherry, Nathan, Robert & Christopher - We are so sorry for your loss. Michael was such a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Gary, Elaine, Matthew, Bradley & Emily Brown

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results