Otto P. Trostel of South Burlington, Vermont and formerly of Scranton, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on January 26, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Jean Trostel of South Burlington; his daughter Emily Trostel, and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Trostel, both of Hinesburg, Vermont; a brother, Robert Trostel, of Wilmington, Delaware; and an abundance of extended family members and cherished friends. Another brother, David Trostel, predeceased him in 2002.
The son of the late Otto and Eleanor Trostel, Otto was a graduate of Central High School, Keystone Junior College, New York University, and the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, where he served on active duty for six years during the Viet Nam War and achieved the rank of Sergeant.
Otto worked for Penn Security Bank and Trust Company in Scranton for more than 25 years, retiring as Vice-President and Director of Marketing. He then worked for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for 13 years afterward, before fully retiring in November 2015.
An active and engaged leader within his community, Otto served on the Board of Directors of Presbyterian Homes, the Board of Directors of the Commercial Association of Downtown Scranton, and as President of the Singer’s Guild of Scranton. He was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church of Scranton for more than 40 years, during which time he served as a Deacon, Trustee, and on various committees. In retirement, Otto was a member of the Northeast Detachment of the Marine Corps League, the Factoryville Sportsmen’s Club, and the Union Lodge No. 291 F.&A.M. in Scranton, where he was proud to be a Freemason of the third degree.
Otto was an avid reader, lifelong learner, and history enthusiast. He was active throughout his entire life, and remained so as long as he was able – playing racquetball, taking walks around Lake Scranton, working out at the gym, and spending time outdoors. He loved to travel with his wife Jean, and over the years they explored nearly every corner of the United States while also venturing abroad to Canada, Germany, England, and Scotland.
In August 2022, Otto and Jean embarked on a new adventure and relocated to Vermont to be near their daughter, Emily, and her wife, Elizabeth. In their new home, they enjoyed watching countless sunsets over the Adirondack Mountains, hosted weekly family dinners and holiday celebrations, and continued to grow daily in their love for one another.
A memorial service to celebrate his life and legacy will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 11:00 am at Covenant Presbyterian Church 550 Madison Ave. Scranton PA. Visitation hours will precede the service beginning at 9:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Amyloidosis Research Consortium Foundation at arci.org/forging-the-path or to the University of Vermont Home Health and Hospice at uvmhomehealth.org/donate/make-an-online-donation, or to a cause meaningful to the donor.
Sandra Grimm
Jean, we are so sorry for your loss! Our prayer and thoughts are with you! God Bless!
Love, Richard and Sandra
John Gallagher
Jean, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. God Bless John Gallagher
Joyce Harris Kenyon
Jean, I’m so very sorry for your loss of Otto. I remember fondly our dinner at Cathy’s house some years ago and was so glad we all made it. God bless you and your family during this very difficult time.
Mary Lou and Jim Burne
Jean and Emily
Mary Lou and I are very saddened. As you may know Otto and Mary Lou were classmates at Central and Keystone.
We have many fond memories and hope the many wonderful years you had together will help sustain you at this time.
Juan R Albelo
Otto was one of my best friends for over 50 years. We met while attending NYU and we were inseperable during that time. After graduation I moved to Puerto Rico for work but Otto and I always maintained close contact. My wife and I visited him and Jeannie in Scranton and they visited me in Puerto Rico. Otto and Jeannie are godparents to my daughter Elizabeth and I miss him dearly. Condolences to Jeannie, Emily and the rest of the family. RIP my dear friend.
Anthony Orologio
Was the administrative manager at the Scranton unemployment office. He was a great guy and a good administratot
Bob and Barbara Fritz
Dear Jean and Emily, Barbara and I were sorry to read of Otto’s passing. I enjoyed talking to Otto many times at the bank when I was visiting my sister, Audrey. Otto was a gentleman and knowledgeable person. I can still picture him with his derby and umbrella. You are both in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.
Patti and Doug Duguay
Dear Jean and Emily: Patti and I were very saddened to hear that Otto had passed away. Along with being a great boss and mentor to me, he was a wonderful friend. We shared many good experiences together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and if there is anything we can do, please reach out.