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Richard Trost Obituary
Richard Raymond Trost, born in Erie, Pennsylvania September 24th, 1959, to the late James and Mary Jane Trost, passed away March 20th, 2025, after courageously battling cancer.
A resident of the Bay Area for 36 years, Richard was a waiter in many of San Francisco's finest restaurants before relocating to Burlingame in the late '90s. In his final years, he pursued his passion for pottery.
Richard is survived by brothers, Gerald (Sharon) Trost and Thomas (Fay) Trost, Erie, PA, a nephew, Jamie (Kathleen Moore) Trost, Traverse City, MI and a niece, Melissa Trost, Annapolis, MD. The Trost family expresses deepest gratitude to Richard's friend Laura Steeg of Daly City, CA, who was by his side to the end.
A celebration of Richard's life will be held in April. Acts of generosity are preferred to flowers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Trost
Darrell & Margie Easter
May 10, 2025
We were so very sad to hear of Richard´s passing. We became friends in the early 2000´s through friends Ray and Linda. We had so many fun times together; holiday dinners, hikes, wonderful conversations, and always so much laughter. Rich was a joy to know; interesting, intelligent, funny, witty, a bit mischievous, and a dear friend. He was always so kind and welcoming to my Mom, and all of us. We loved you Rich. You will be dearly missed. Rest well, my friend.
Love, Darrell and Margie Easter
Mary
May 9, 2025
Richard was a very dear friend to me and my family. We met him many years ago through Linda and Ray. We loved Richard. I am very sad to hear of his passing. I loved his humor, intelligence and his sense of fun and adventure. I am sending healing to all of his family members and to his friends. In hearing of Rich´s passing....I feel like one of my bright stars of friendship has left.
cici
May 1, 2025
I am a stranger, but I noticed many of Richard's art pieces are being sold at this auction that ends soon. Inexpensive https://maxsold.com/auction/98433/bidgallery.
David Hatt
April 25, 2025
I met Rich through Dick Shapero. Rich was larger than life and a bon vivant. He had a creative side that I admire. He was a great chef, he knew how and he loved to entertain, he decorated his home beyond imagination, he was a great photographer, and he became a skilled artist. He was everything that I wasn't. We met for dinner several times last year. Rich took his diagnosis in stride. But still -- at 65? Too young. I miss Rich.
Benita Rashall
April 24, 2025
I was very sad to hear while I was in Greece until now that our world is without Richard. Missed my last chance to see him last October when he wasn´t up to attending his friend & my ex´s, Dick Shapero´s memorial. They´d met at CSM about 15 or so years ago when Dick took up painting after retiring. Richard & Dick shared a love of art, fine food, wine, and mutual friends. They were the essence of joie de vivre-laughter was their companion too. So many memories of wonderful evenings at Richard´s, his terrific slide shows...I treasure some small artful gifts from him. I hope he & Dick are somewhere together admiring beautiful flowers, clinking glasses while Richard has a twinkle in his eye & ironic humor on his tongue.
Katie Funk Moss
April 4, 2025
I was lucky to have crossed paths with Rich at Clay by the Bay in San Francisco. I was new to the city in the middle of COVID and he welcomed me to the community with open arms. His presence lit up the room and made everyone feel special. The world is lucky to have known him.
Cheryl Buetikofer Miller
April 3, 2025
I have many fond memories of Rich! I have known him since Chestnut Hill Elementary School. We were in the "group" with many friends since Millcreek Intermediate through McDowell High School. We would have parties, "get togethers" and just be the friend we could talk to. Such a loss too soon!
Jerry and Sharon
March 30, 2025
You will be forever missed!
Sherry Reese Letzelter
March 30, 2025
Rich was my neighbor & classmate. He was a very nice person. I have many good memories of times we spent together when we were young.
Pete Hitchcock
March 30, 2025
I am saddened to hear of Richard's passing. My condolences to his friends and family. My earliest memory of Richard is when we were in grade school together. We were making a mural of the Midwest and he and I were seeing who could draw the best Buffalo. I am sure he won. Sincerely Pete Hitchcock
Stella LaPaglia
March 29, 2025
Sending deepest sympathies to Richard's family and loved ones.
Penny Tousey Klaas
March 29, 2025
Sorry for your lost. He´s was a Great guy.
APRIL WUJCIK
March 29, 2025
This is such sad news. Rich has been a beloved friend since high school. Thankfully he looked me up a couple years ago when he was in Erie and we got together. He looked marvelous and his life sounded joyous. Rich used to pick me up for high school in his Volkswagen beetle and most of the time the heat and/or the defroster wasn't working! We didn't care! During a snow storm, he doned his cross country skis and showed up at my parents house to see if we needed anything from the store. Many, many more stories and happy memories.
He was taken from us way too soon. My condolences to the family
Becky Hopkins Black
March 29, 2025
What an artist with his photography
Cindy Warrington Rembert
March 29, 2025
Richard
You will be missed by the McDowell Class of 1977
Our hearts go out to your family
Ernie Cota
March 28, 2025
Richard´s face speaks a volume of mysterious words..
I love this guy.
Ernie Cota
March 28, 2025
my condolences to Richard´s family and friends. His obituary portrait will be framed,and hung,displayed,proudly for all to see.i do not know this man,wish I had his acquaintance. his is a beautiful,handsome face.
Janet Rocco
March 28, 2025
My condolences to Rich's family & friends. I made his acquaintance 10 years ago when he managed properties. He was always a gentleman and considerate...and a fellow PA transplant to the Bay Area. May he rest in peace.
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