AUBURN — Robert James Trefsger, 97, a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, Pa., passed away at his son’s home in Auburn on Nov. 17, under the compassionate care of Beacon Hospice.
Robert was born at his home in Philadelphia, Pa., on Oct. 10, 1920. He was the youngest son of Louis A. Trefsger and Anna Edison. He attended North Philadelphia schools and Simon Gratz High School. The North Philadelphia train station, Baker Bowl and Connie Mack Stadium area were his gang’s stomping grounds and where he met a neighborhood girl, Ethel A. Goerlich. He and Ethel married in 1941 and she predeceased him after 75 years of marriage in 2016.
He loved sports and played semi-pro football in the old American Football Conference. He was also a season ticket holder and loyal fan for many seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles. He entered the U.S. Army in 1942 and trained in Texas and in the V-12 Communications Program at the University of Georgia. Robert served in Europe in the 26th Infantry as a communications sergeant. He was in the Battle of the Bulge and holds an ETO medal with two battle stars and American Theatre and Victory Medal.
After the war he and W. Brunner, E. Heidorn, and B. Trefsger formed Webco Outdoor Advertising Sign Company. He was regarded by peers as one of the finest design letterers and pictorial artists in the region. Robert proudly retired at 80.
In the early 1950s our family started the tradition of vacationing on Long Beach Island, N.J. Today this custom is very meaningful for all of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who have spent every summer of their lives enjoying this special time and place with their pop pop.
Robert is survived by sons, Bruce D. Trefsger of Dushore, Pa., and Robert J. Trefsger Jr. and wife, Suzanne of Auburn; also six grandchildren: Lisa S. Krack and husband, David of Butler, Pa., Amy Ellen Trefsger of Seattle, Wash., Gregory O. Trefsger and wife, Keirstin of South Portland, Sarah A. Trefsger of Portland, Rachel A. Trefsger of Saco, and Zachary J. Trefsger of Charleston, S.C.; and two great-grandchildren, Abigail S. Trefsger and Alexandra S. Trefsger of South Portland.
Online condolences may be sent to www.funeralalternatives.net.
Robert J. Trefsger
Send questions/comments to the editors.