Obituary: Frederick C. Troll

Frederick C. Troll –1934 –2021

Frederick C. Troll, 86, formerly of Elwood, passed away on January 1, 2021, in Howard County, Maryland of natural causes.

Fred Troll was born in Brooklyn to Theodore and Marie Troll and raised in Ozone Park, where he attended St. Mary Gate of Heaven school.  After graduating from Brooklyn Technical High School, Fred began his career as an electrician, becoming a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 25, where he served as an Electrical Foreman for most of his career.  

The love of Fred’s life was his wife, Lucille, whom he married in 1954.  Fred and Lucille moved to Elwood in 1958, where they raised four children: Kathleen, Thomas, John and Richard.  Proud Elwood citizens, Fred and Lucille became very involved in the Elwood Taxpayers Association, both serving multiple terms as officers, including president.  During his tenure, Fred established the “Elwood News,” the Elwood Community Council, the Elwood Community Calendar, Elwood Day, the Elwood Scholarship Fund, and was instrumental in founding Elwood Park.  A charter member of the Cuba Hill School PTA, he started the Elwood Teen A.C., and served as Chairman of the Harborfields-Elwood Youth Development Association.

 A devout Roman Catholic, Fred was a leader in the movement to establish a new parish in the community, leading to the formation of St. Matthews Church, where he was a religious instructor and member of the Nocturnal Adoration Society.  The Knights of Columbus Council 4810 inducted Fred in 1967, and he later become an Honorary Member. 

Always a concerned citizen, Fred served as a Committeeman in the local Democratic Club and as Chairman in 1972.  Fred served on the Town of Huntington’s first Citizens Capital Budget Committee, and as Chairman of the Town of Huntington’s Housing Authority Commission.  While serving in the latter role, he recognized the need for organized youth activities and formed a Cub Scout Pack and a Boy Scout Troop, acting as Cub Master and Scoutmaster.

After his retirement from the electrical industry, Fred and Lucille joined the IBEW Local 25 Retirees Club, in which Fred relished his role as Chaplain.  Fred joined the Suffolk County Y- Jewish Community Center and became an active member of the Y Men’s Club, the Y Current Events Club, and published the “Golden Times” monthly newsletter.  After attending a performance of the Israeli Scout Friendship Caravan at a scouting event, Fred arranged for the Israeli Scouts to perform at the Y and at Huntington’s Temple Beth El. 

Fred had a lifetime history with the Boy Scouts of America, beginning in childhood as a Cub Scout.  Fred served several years as Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 125, as the Roundtable Commissioner in the Dan Beard District as well as a Merit Badge Counselor in the Dan Beard Scouting District and (after redistricting in 1993) the Matinecock Scouting District in Suffolk County Council (BSA).   Fred also served as the Council Commissioner for the Theodore Roosevelt Council (BSA) and in many leadership positions in both the Suffolk and Nassau Scouting communities.  These included staffing several Wood Badge Training courses (and was the Scoutmaster for a Wood Badge Course) as well as holding several positons including Sagamore Master of the Sagamore Service Troop.  For his volunteer efforts, Fred was honored and recognized with a number of prestigious awards including the Order of the Arrow (BSA’s National Honor Camping Society) Vigil Honor, The George Meany Award  (given to Union Scouters — he was one of  only three presented on Long Island), the Silver Beaver Award (a National BSA recognition), Commissioner’s Arrowhead Award,  the Flame and Cross Award from the United Methodist Church, and the Jewish Committee on Scouting’s Shofar Award during his tenure in both the Suffolk County Council (BSA) and the Theodore Roosevelt Council BSA (Nassau County)

Fred was proud of his sons, John and Richard, who both attained the rank of Eagle Scout, and of his son, Thomas, who attained the rank of Life Scout (and went on to become an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 509  while in the Air Force).  Fred’s proudest moment in scouting was in 2012, when he administered the Eagle Oath to his eldest grandchild, Christopher, at Christopher’s Eagle Court of Honor.

Fred and Lucille enjoyed visits with their grandchildren and the times they spent with their many friends. After Fred’s retirement, they often traveled to Atlantic City to see shows, dine, and play in the casinos. The couple also travelled across Italy, visited England, cruised to Hawaii, Alaska and Nova Scotia, and sailed the Mississippi on a riverboat.  In 2000, 2006, and 2011 Fred and Lucille travelled with their children to Germany to attend the Familientreffen (reunion) of the extended family of Troll cousins from around the world.  

Fred Troll passed away on January 1, 2021. He is predeceased by sons Richard and Thomas and wife of 66 years, Lucille. Fred is survived by: his daughter, Kathleen, and her husband, Albert Free; his son, John, and his wife, Nancy; and, grandchildren Christopher, Jennifer, Matthew, Emily, and Jacquelina.

A wake for Fred Troll was held at Commack Abbey (Commack) on January 10, where Troop 125 Boy Scouts conducted a closing ceremony . Holy Mass of the Resurrection was held at St. Matthews Roman Catholic Church, ( Dix Hills) on January 11, followed by internment at St. Charles Cemetery (Farmingdale).  A Memorial Service is planned for late 2021.  

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Fred’s memory to your favorite charity, or to:  Boy Scout Troop 125, c/o 3 Candy Lane, Commack, NY 11725; The Wood Badge Scholarship Fund, 7 Scouting Blvd, Medford, NY 11763; or, the Sagamore Troop of Theodore Roosevelt Council BSA, Attn: Scout Exec, 544 Broadway, Massapequa, NY 1175