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Jerrold Trumbower Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 20, 2011.

Jerrold Severson Trumbower, 88, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on May 20, 2011. He was born in Nanticoke, PA on February 9, 1923, son of Charles K. and Ellen (Page) Trumbower. He grew up with his two sisters in West Pittston, PA until age 12, when the family re-located to Daytona Beach, FL in the midst of the Depression. It was there in the sixth grade that he met his future wife Anita Thompson, who described him as "that Yankee boy with rosy cheeks and knickers." Jerry thrived at Seabreeze High School, playing football, delivering groceries for Calcott's Market, serving as President of his class, spending time on the beach as a lifeguard, and dating Anita. They were voted the "Most Popular" couple of the Class of 1941. After graduation, he enrolled in the accounting program at Benjamin Franklin University in Washington, D.C., but soon enlisted in the Army Air Corps, and was trained as a B-17 navigator in Dalhart, TX. He served with the 8th Air Force stationed in England, and was shot down on January 11, 1944 in a mission over Germany. One of the survivors of the ten-man crew, he was a P.O.W. at Stalag Luft I in Barth, Germany, for the rest of the war. This experience had a profound influence on him for the rest of his life. Jerry remained in the Air Force reserves until 1983, retiring at the rank of Lt. Colonel. After the war, he married Anita and they moved to Washington, D.C. Jerry completed a B.S. and M.S. in Accounting at Benjamin Franklin where he was Valedictorian of his class. The couple settled in Orlando in 1947, where Jerry took his first job with Potter, Bower, and Co. Their first daughter arrived in 1949. In 1950, he joined with Charles Colley and eventually Arnold Howell to found the C.P.A. firm Colley, Trumbower, and Howell. The firm grew to be the largest independent accounting firm in Central Florida when it merged with Coopers & Lybrand in 1986. Many young accountants got their professional start at the firm, where Jerry was both a mentor and role model. A long-time member of the Florida Institute of C.P.A.s, he served as President from 1969-70. He was also a member of the National Governing Council of the American Institute of C.P.A.s, and Chairman of the Board of the American Group of CPA Firms. He was a trustee and Chairman of the Board of the Southern Federal Tax Institute in Atlanta. Jerry was also member of the Board of Directors of the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation. He was active in the Optimist Club and the Orlando Jaycees. He was President of the Country Club of Orlando, and served as President of the University Club, where he enjoyed many Tuesday nights playing pool. He held several lay leadership posts at the Episcopal Cathedral Church of Saint Luke, serving 9 years on the vestry, as Senior Warden, and as Treasurer of the Cathedral Foundation. Jerry served as campaign treasurer for several politicians of both parties, including Orlando Mayors Carl Langford and Bill Frederick, and Congressman Bill Gunter. For 17 years, he was a Little League umpire. Jerry loved to travel, taking his family cross-country on the train to California, and on a grand tour of Europe. In later years he and Anita traveled to Spain, Morocco, Scandinavia, Russia, and back to his old air base in England. He loved Winnebago camping, and spent twenty wonderful summers with Anita at their mountain house in Linville, NC. For the last eleven years of her life, Jerry took Anita to the kidney dialysis center three times weekly for treatment. Together, they successfully met the daily challenges of her condition. She pre-deceased him in 2007, after almost 62 years of marriage in which the romance never faded. For the past four years, Jerry immensely enjoyed living at Westminster Towers, and his many friends there will certainly miss him. A devoted father, Jerry is survived by his children: Jean Hartsaw (Ken) of Orlando, Ann Peters (Spence) of West Jefferson, NC, and Jeffrey Trumbower (Chris French) of Jericho, VT. He took delight in his grandchildren and great grandchildren, who endearingly called him "Tampa". They are Betsy Schatt (Ted) of Ocala, Benjamin Sharpe (Emily) of Winter Park, and Kevin Peters of Davidson, NC, and great grandsons, Carter and Garrett Schatt. He was predeceased by his two sisters, Jessie Ellison and Mary Ellen Paytas. All of his loving family have been profoundly influenced by the selflessness, sense of humor, and personal integrity of this remarkable man, our patriarch and rock of stability. He will be greatly missed. We would also like to thank the nurses and staff of Hospice of the Comforter for their loving care of our father. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, May 28 at the Cathedral Church of Saint Luke, 130 N. Magnolia, Orlando, FL 32801. Visitation will be held Friday, May 27 from 6 PM to 8 PM at Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home, 2811 Curry Ford Road, Orlando, FL 32806, www.CareyHandColonialFH.com. Donations in Jerry's name may be made to Workforce Advantage Academy, 2113 E. South Street, Orlando, FL 32803.

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July 22, 2011

Steve Eley

Dear Jean,
I was so sorry to hear the news of your loss. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies. Your father truly was a gentleman of the highest order and will be missed. The pictures displayed here are just wonderful.

June 10, 2011

Steve Matonis

To Jerry's family: I met Jerry in the summer of 1978 when I first relocated here from Ft. lauderdale. I rented space from him at 33ERobinson St. Today I visited the building as it is for sale and I couldn't stop remembering all the fond memories I had with Jerry at that building. He sold the building to Speedy Murphy and that another story...we continued our friendship atthe U-Club for many years...I was away when he passed and just heard. A terrible loss of a man that truly "walked tall".

June 2, 2011

Dear Trumbower family,
I am sorry for your loss. Your dad was such a gentleman. I know he will be missed.
Love,
Kem Millitzer Harward

May 30, 2011

We remember Jerry as a kind courteous and gracious neighbor. He was always there with a helping hand.
Westminster Towers Sixth Floor

May 26, 2011

James H Sapp, CPA

I got my start in accounting at CT&H in 1963, primarily working for Jerry even before I graduated from Stetson. After receiving my degree in accounting and serving a ROTC commission in the Army, I returned to CT&H and worked there a little over three years before opening my own practice. My wife & I are both CPAs and have always admired Jerry. He was a tremendous asset to our profession and freely gave many hours of his time to varied organizations, especially the FICPA & AICPA. Anita was also a wonderful, sweet lady.

May 25, 2011

Amy Steele

so sorry to hear of your loss. your Dad was such a fine person and always so pleasant. we are out of town for the long weekend but you are in our thoughts and prayers fondly amy and charlie steele

May 25, 2011

Doug McGinnis

For Jerry's family, though it has been several years since we've seen Jerry, we will always have fond memories of him. He was our accountant at Tropical Blossom Honey Co. in Edgewater and became a dear friend of our late father, David McGinnis. We are saddened by his passing but reading of his life it was truly a life well-lived. Our sympathy and best wishes to his family--Jerry was an outstanding individual. With regards, Doug and Patty McGinnis

May 25, 2011

Kim Barley

Such a nice man who contributed much.

May 24, 2011

Richard Berube SSE

Jeff, my condolences on your family's great loss. God grant your father the reward of the faithful servant, and the Spirit of Consolation on you and all Jerrold's loved ones.

May 23, 2011

Anne McConnell

Dear Jeff and the Trumbower family,
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your father. He certainly led a rich and productive life. No matter how old we are, we still feel like orphans when we lose our parents. I know Chris and your siblings will provide great comfort.

May 23, 2011

Dear Jean and Family,

On behalf of the entire Board of Directors and staff of the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation, both past and present, we are saddened by the loss of your Father and our fellow Board member. Your Dad was a WWII war hero, an icon in the accounting profession and a caring fiduciary as a Board member of the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation. Jerry Trumbower was truly part of America’s Greatest Generation. We will pray for Jerry and for your entire family, in your time of need.

David A. Odahowski, President and CEO, Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation, Winter Park, Florida

May 21, 2011

Debby Clary

Hi Jean and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I swear I just saw him at Westminster not too long ago. I am out of town in Clearwater, celebrating the birth of my granddaughter, Kate to Scott and his wife Jeannie. My heart is with you all at this time. Debby Clary

May 21, 2011

Chris French

What a wonderful collection of his life! Love and prayers from my family. I will be down to see you all in a few days.

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