Trost Remembered for Kindness, Love for Everyone

CANTON, MA — If someone who never knew Gabe Trost went to his funeral Tuesday, they would learn through those close to him of his love for friends, family, knowledge, helping others, and generally everything around him.

The beloved longtime Foxborough High School substitute teacher was laid to rest following a service at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel in Canton. Interment took place at Sharon Memorial Park.

“I didn't have the opportunity to know Gabe. I'm grateful his family was able to share his stories with me,” Rabbi Julie Zupan said. "(His granddaughter) described him as an acquired taste. You had to look past the outside to know him. Once you understood him and once he knew you, you couldn't get enough of him.”

A native of Poland, Trost moved to New York in 1936 at the age of 12, escaping the Nazi invasion that would take place three years later and kill the members of his family that remained in his home county. At 18, he was drafted into the Army and served as a medic while stationed in London. He would meet his wife Janet on a blind date, getting married to her in 1948 and eventually moving to Sharon with his family.

Prior to his 19 years in the Foxborough Public Schools, Trost spent his career in the textile industry, first running a furniture binding factory, then a fabric store in Canton for 15 years.

Perhaps his kindness can be best summarized by Operation Turkey. While running the Canton fabric store, Trost would go to a local church around Christmas, ask for a list of families in financial need, and deliver a turkey in anonymous fashion.

“He would buy and prepare a turkey dinner. The staff would dress in black, even covering the license plate, and deliver the meals anonymously. Ringing the bell, leaving the meal, and running away,” Zupan told the mourners. “With each package was a note that said "from a Jewish family, this is a Judeo- Christian effort to bring world peace.”

Eileen Doyle, Trost’s daughter, said her father was a constant example of inspiration with a legacy that his family is proud of.

“I hope everyone can remember him fondly, especially with his Trost trivia, harmonica, and howdy!” she said, recalling his several signature trademarks as a substitute teacher.

Games like Trost Trivia, which gave students a chance to win one of the many prizes he picked up from local yard sales, was a result of his love of knowledge and education.

“He's probably one of the most intelligent people I have ever met. Very giving and charitable with his time,” his son Barry Trost said.

The trivia game was one of many reasons Trost was beloved by the students and faculty at Foxborough High School. He was a regular at sporting events and a volunteer at school events and dances, emerging himself in the school community, his granddaughter and Foxborough High School graduate Jessica Loiacono said.

Not even having to fight cancer on four separate occasions could damper Trost’s spirit and love for everyone around him. His grandson Steve Trost said he was someone who set example by his actions.

“He spent his lives making a difference in the lives of others. I'm proud to be his grandson,” he said.
Expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to the Foxboro High School Music Department through the Foxboro Music Association at FoxboroMusic.com.

Image via Foxborough Regional Charter School