CAPT RICHARD W. TRIMBLE, USN passed away in Suffolk, Virginia on December 12, 2007 after a long struggle with ALS. Born in Troy, NY, and raised in Albany, NY, Captain Trimble graduated from Albany Public High School and the State University of New York Maritime College. On graduation from college, Captain Trimble entered the Navy and served on both coasts and South America in various commands at sea and ashore until retiring in 1976 in Virginia Beach, after 24 years of service. After a brief period ashore, Captain Trimble returned to sea in the employ of Sun Oil Company (SUNOCO) on the east and west coasts and the Caribbean. He held a U.S. Coast Guard Master's license for oceans, unlimited tonnage. He dropped anchor for good in 1992 and shortly thereafter moved to Suffolk with his family.
Captain Trimble spent much of his retirement in volunteer work including 13 years with the American Red Cross. He also volunteered for the Suffolk Seaboard Railroad Museum and the Old Coast Guard Station Museum in Virginia Beach as a docent. He was also a life member of the Military Officers of America Association. He was a marvelous and talented piano player.
Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Beth F. Trimble; daughter and son-in-law, Kim Trimble and Jay Howell of Suffolk; son, Michael Trimble of California; grand-children, Harris J. Howell and Katherine B. Howell. A memorial service was conducted Sunday and on Monday, a service with military honors held at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery
Carl Fisher, class of 1965 writes:
I would like to add that I knew Richard and served with him in the Hampton Roads Chapter of the Alumni Association. I think he was President when I joined. I remember him as always being soft spoken and considerate of others, yet definitely had a "command presence." I worked with him when he helped arrange for the EMPIRE STATE to visit the Hampton Roads area around 1990 during her summer cruise. I can't remember the exact year. We had a great time hosting the cadets, Admiral Miller and Captain DeSimone.
FMSAA