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James L. Troe Landsdale, PA QCWA # 12718 Chapter 46 |
JAMES TROE James L. Troe, 87, 0f Towamencin died at Dock Woods Community on Thursday, December 23, 2010 after a short illness following a fall in early December. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 62 years, Mary (Puck) Troe.
Born in Bloomfield, IA to the late Gaylord and Norine (Schmoeller) Troe, he entered Iowa State University to study electrical engineering. His education was interrupted by a call to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II as an electronics instructor. He graduated from Iowa State in 1948 and began a long career with Bell Telephone Laboratories in New Jersey. His work took him all over the world, including a family move to the Marshall Islands for three years. His work focused on projects related to radar systems and cellular technology, including the development and testing of the first cellular mobile phone system in the U.S. Upon retirement from Bell Labs, he continued to contribute to the development of cellular technology in several firms until his final retirement in 1997. Mr. Troe had many interests he pursued throughout his life, fueled by his curiosity about how things worked and his love of learning. A boy scout himself, he was active in his sons' scout troops and started a troop for Marshallese boys. He loved to build, and especially enjoyed woodworking. He brought his engineering mind to every problem, whether repairing equipment or building an organization. He shared his love of camping and hiking with his family. He built a collection of several hundred antique radios, and enjoyed sharing that passion with others.
He and his wife moved to the Dock Woods Community in 1994, where he contributed to the creation of a resident library and started a macular degeneration support group. He led efforts to develop a woodworking facility for community use, for which he was recognized this past November when the woodshop was named in his honor.
In addition to his wife, Mary, he is survived by two sons, John and wife, Laura, of Colorado, and David of Massachusetts; a daughter, Debra Franke and husband, John, of Hatfield; and three grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the Dock Woods Community at a future date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Dock Woods Community, designate Sharing Fund, 275 Dock Drive, Lansdale, PA 19446.
Published by The Reporter from Dec. 26 to Dec. 27, 2010.