LeRoy Dana Trull, obituary

Fri, 12/30/2016 - 8:15am

LeRoy Dana Trull, 79, passed away and took his last ride home on Friday, December 23, 2016. He was at peace with his family by his side and his beloved sister, Beverly, on the phone. LeRoy was born to Arlene Brush Trull and Lawrence Trull in Lynn, Mass., April 26, 1937. On December 25, 1942 the family moved to Unity where LeRoy helped his family run the dairy farm until 1976.

He attended Unity Freedom High School where he graduated in 1955. He joined the Maine National Guard and served for two years in Belfast. LeRoy would walk the four miles to Unity where he would ride the train to Belfast. He then would walk to the Belfast Armory to serve for the weekend, returning home the same way.

On December 1, 1956 he married Barbara Reynolds. Their marriage had its ups and downs and ended in 1984. Out of that marriage came his four beautiful children. The most important job LeRoy had in his life was being a provider for his family and extended family. He worked many jobs and made sacrifices so his family would never be without. He would spend many summers and falls in the woods cutting cords of wood to put oil in the tank or to buy clothing and food for his family.

Leroy found peace in the woods and knew his way around them. His jobs included working for Pratt and Whitney as a machinist, Ethan Allen, Freedom Manufacturing and Canning Factory, the Jefferson Manor as a bartender, Unity College in maintenance and security and for the last 48 years as a bus driver for RSU 3. During those 48 years he had many bus runs and in between would transport students to various schools such as the Baxter School for the Deaf and the Marie Bradford School. Along those rides he would educate, tell stories and care for the students as his own. Driving bus and keeping the kids safe was where he was the happiest. He was also proud to serve as a selectman for the town of Unity for 15 years.

LeRoy had many interests and hobbies throughout his life. His love of wildlife and pets spans a lifetime, from his beloved partner-in-crime Poocha to Chi Chi, the pet squirrel. You never knew what type of creature he was going to bring home for his family to tend to. His love of wildlife extended into many years of hunting with special friends, culminating with his infamous “hunting parties” and down to camp gatherings. He  treasured these times.

Sunday gatherings of family and friends were always a joyous occasion where there was always food and an extra plate for anyone in need. He enjoyed dancing, roller skating and an educational drive anywhere. If you weren’t in the car by a certain time you didn’t go and he never took the same road twice. Those trips are treasured by many and will be missed. You never knew where you were going but LeRoy was never lost and he provided quite the interesting ride. LeRoy was a very unique, complex and fun loving man and always set his needs aside to help others in his own way.

He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Leverne Sanders; and a dear friend, Homer Hobbs.

He is survived by his sister Beverly Trull; his children, Tammie Rossi and her children, Daniel Rossi and fiancée Rachel Jean Fiske, Rachel Rossi and partner Tyler Griffin and stepdaughter Nicole Bussierre Wyman; Tina Reiff and her husband, William, her children Morgan and Jordan Harper and Marshall Reiff; Torrie Sprague and husband Jim, their children, Kayla and Austin; Todd Trull and his wife, Dorothy, his children Derrick Trull and partner Joselyn Marston, and Devin Trull and partner Miranda Searles; his great-grandchildren; MyKennah, Aliyah and Brayden; his friend and brother-in-law Edward Reynolds and special sister-in-law Donna Temple. LeRoy treasured the friendship of Kenneth Arey, Charlie Graffam and many others.

For the last 10 years he spent most of his time with his special friend and companion, Maria Munroe, and her children Anthony and Christopher.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mount View Fund of Future Education, 84 School Street, Unity, Maine 04988. Checks payable to RSU # 3. 

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 1 p.m. in Unity at the Unity Elementary School gym. A spring graveside service will be held at the Quaker Hill Baptist Church in Unity.

Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.ripostafh.com.