Vern Hopson Trowbridge

Commander Vern Hopson Trowbridge (Ret), a beloved husband, father and devoted Navy Patriot, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2024, at the age of 92. Vern’s distinguished career in the United States Navy spanned 22 years, during which he served as a Naval Aviator, deployed in VP-2 and VP-22. He taught at Preflight in Pensacola. In Annapolis, Maryland, at the United States Naval Academy, he taught “Analytical Management”, a course he wrote, to Mid-Shipmen. On the USS Coral Sea, he served as Communications Officer during the Vietnam War. He retired from active duty in 1976 leaving a legacy of courage and dedication. Upon retirement from the United States Navy, Vern transitioned his successful career by using his Engineering degrees, dedicating many years of management to his beloved community. He studied and knew all of the important United States of America documents and their origins, in particular the United States Constitution, the Declaration Of Independence, and the Bill of Rights. Vern was happiest with the simple things, God, country, and family. His unwavering patriotism, bravery and life motto, “In God We Trust”, will be remembered and celebrated by all that knew him. Born and raised in Burlington, Iowa, Vern graduated from Burlington High. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa and two masters degrees, from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and George Washington University. His passion for exploration and adventure such as climbing to the top of Mount Baker, skydiving, paragliding, riding in a blimp, flying many types of aircraft, flying in a hot air balloon, showed his willingness to push boundaries. He loved antique cars, bocce, and sailing. His sense of determination was evident the year he succeeded in taking the sailboat out in the bay 365 days straight, even in the snow. When asked “wasn’t tracking Russian submarines by plane, under the radar, off the coast of Alaska dangerous?” He said, “Yes, that’s what made it fun”. He loved to travel and had visited every state in the Union and many countries worldwide. He took many cross country roads trips with his family and passed on his love and wonder for travel and adventure to many. Vern was known for his sense of humour and his dry wit. He loved to tell people he was born at a very early age very close to his mother. When asked to run to the store and get some milk he literally ran to the store and back. A true gentleman and always chivalrous, he doted on the love of his life, Shirley, opening her car door without fail, and surprising her with special music boxes. The theme for the music boxes was “You Light Up My Life”. The Patriot Motto is “The truth will make you free” (John 8:32). The Patriot Charge is “Always Vigilant, Prepared and Faithful”. Preceded in death by his parents, Vernor and Estella Trowbridge, his brother John Trowbridge, his son-in-law Richard Galitz MD, and his very special dog Annie. Survived by his wife of 65 years Shirley Bonney Trowbridge. Three daughters Cynthia Trowbridge of Fort White, FL, Lynda Galitz of Bay Harbor Islands, FL, Suzanne McManus (Jeff) of Oxford, Mississippi, and son Scott Trowbridge (Nicole) of Atlanta, GA. Nine grandchildren Zoe (Scott) Jove, Summer (John) Schamy, Carly (Mark) Chaplin, Sam (Milena) McManus, Nate McManus, Josh (Ashley) McManus, Mark (Jordan) McManus, Evan Trowbridge, Olivia Trowbridge. Three great grandchildren Rose Jove, Nina Schamy, and Danni McManus. Commander Vern Trowbridge’s spirit will forever remain in our hearts. Vern is buried at South Florida National Cemetery in Wellington, Florida. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Hillsdale College or Heritage Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

Vern Hopson Trowbridge

January 6, 1932 - August 24, 2024