Wayne Lewis Trotta

Wayne Lewis Trotta

A Quiet Genius -

Wayne Lewis Trotta, age 71, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of Seaford, NY, passed away peacefully while being comforted by his wife on Friday, October 29, 2021.  Wayne was born on Thursday, March 9, 1950, in Long Island, NY to the late Lewis Trotta and Alice (Hess) Trotta.

Wayne’s survivors include his wife of 29 years, Brenda (Aikey) Trotta; his son, Nicholas Trotta and wife, Leah, of Durham, NC; his three step-sons: Thomas Keller, Daniel Keller, Aaron Keller; his five grandchildren: Adeline, Elliott, Emeline, James, Soloman; his four siblings: Gary Trotta and wife, Betty, of Cave Creek, AZ, Wendy Welch and husband, Stephen, Hayard, CA, Valerie Sloan and husband, Geary, of Montrose, CO, Chris Trotta of Bath, NH; and several nieces and nephews.

Wayne was a quiet genius.  He thought about things at a depth that not many could appreciate.

He was the oldest of 5 children and grew up on Long Island, NY.  He played stick ball in the streets, had lots of friends and proved to be an amazing football and Lacrosse player.  At Seaford High School, he was elected the President of the National Honor Society, captain of the football team in his senior year, and was voted All State Tackle, for the state of New York.  He was also an avid Lacrosse player and was voted All District.

He received his undergraduate degree at Albright College and his graduate degree at Millersville University.  He became a Certified School Psychologist and achieved the status of Nationally Board-Certified School Psychologist.

Wayne adored his son, Nick and his stepsons, Tom, Dan and Aaron.  He loved his grandchildren with a passion and delighted in watching them grow and change.  He was a natural grandfather.

Wayne loved books.  Finding a used bookstore was his number one priority when setting out on vacation.  He could read a book, comprehend everything, and still watch a TV program or be in the middle of a busy Dr.’s office waiting room - it was amazing.

Wayne was a writer.  He held the honor of being the President of the Central Pennsylvania Writers Organization many years ago.  He has been published in countless magazines and had a particular interest lately in significant historical figures of Pennsylvania.  He was an amazing and meticulous writer.  He would spend hours on one paragraph, before he would consider it ready for viewing.  And it was worth it.  He was, indeed, a gifted wordsmith.

The music of Wayne’s life was the Blues.  He and his wife took a Blues trek to Mississippi to visit the great Blues man’s graves and walk where they walked.  He was an accomplished guitarist, acoustic and electric and even cigar box!  He knew everything about the Blues from the beginning of time.   He loved accordions and when he had way too many ports, could play a mean piano!

Wayne identified his life’s work as a psychologist.  He worked in the clinical field for several years, became a Licensed Psychologist and was content.  He did however, not just settle in for the remaining years, as he was always looking to grow.  He discovered a part-time position as a school psychologist and then he was off and running.  He was a school psychologist at Palmyra School District (SD) for 17 years.  Upon retirement, which was short lived, he returned to school psychology on a contractual basis for the districts of Harrisburg, Donegal, Central Dauphin and Carlisle.  He loved his work and was a true advocate for the children.

Accomplishments aside, Wayne loved his pontoon boat.  He and his wife would wait anxiously for May to come so they could return to the boat that would free them from the cares of the world. The “Captain” would float freely across the water, stop to fish and then, curl up with a book in the sun.

Wayne was a gourmet cook.  Life with him was sweet, as every meal was created and not just made.

Some people know when their life is time limited.  Wayne knew and as he fought on, had but one request:

“I just want one more season on the boat.” Wayne got that one more season, which ended 2 weeks prior to his final casting off.  You will be missed, Captain.

All are welcome to join Wayne’s family at his viewing on Friday, November 5, 2021, from 12:00 p.m. until a time of brief prayer at 1:00 p.m. at Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.  At the request of the family, masks are optional for those who are fully vaccinated and requested for those who are not fully vaccinated.  Wayne’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Buhrig’s Gathering Place (next to the funeral home) immediately following.  Cremation will be private.

The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to everyone with Asana Hospice & Palliative Care, who so lovingly cared for Wayne during his illness.

Contributions in celebration of Wayne’s life can be made to Asana Hospice & Palliative Care, 2708 Commerce Drive, Suite 300, Harrisburg, PA 17110, www.amedisys.com/services/hospice-care/volunteers-and-donations/.

Wayne’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Wayne’s full obituary, view his memorial video, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.