Ludwig "Lud" vanTrikt

Ludwig vanTrikt was born June 11, 1959, to the late Edith and Wilford vanTrikt. He was the youngest of three children, born 20 years after his siblings. He grew up in the Cobbs Creek Parkway area, graduating from Bartram High School.

Ludwig developed a love for jazz at an early age. He listened daily to the music his older brother and cousin played. He admits that at first he didn’t understand what he was hearing, but he later developed quite an ear for Avant-Garde jazz music. This was the beginning of one of the greatest joys in his life, the pathway that led to him becoming an impassioned jazz enthusiast.

Jazz music was deeply rooted in his soul, and he sought ways to nurture it. He landed a job as a DJ at Temple’s WRTI-FM radio station, hosting a late night show titled “Bitches Brew,” where he played the music he loved so dearly.

He worked at the “Painted Bride” as the Jazz Program Coordinator, booking and/or producing jazz events. This exposed him to great music and talented musicians. Another passion pursued was interviewing jazz artists, capturing their stories, and critiquing their music. These interviews were published in Cadence Magazine - a relationship he maintained for many, many years.

From that first day to his last day, jazz never lost its appeal to Ludwig. He attended shows as often as possible, with the last being a jazz festival at The Center in the Park. He was accompanied by his youngest daughter, who commented, “Everyone knew Dad!”. He was in his element.

Ludwig was a hard-working man who believed in “staying on the grind.” He worked two full-time jobs for a large portion of his life, mainly security and concierge. He was well known for his superb work ethic.

The fast pace of his life came to a screeching halt in February 1997 when Lud met Ronnie, the “Love of his Life”. He was “old school,” taking her out on dates that, of course, included jazz concerts. He was a true gentleman - kind, generous, and most of all very loving. He was also the “Love of her Life!” They were married June 11, 2000, on Ludwig’s 41st Birthday, and they recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in Jamaica, Ludwig’s 66th birthday. He kept the flame of their marriage burning bright by setting up dates to go to the theatre, dinner, or the movies. He did any and everything he could to make his wife happy, often commenting in family group chats, “I love you madly”.

The love they shared produced a child, completing a blended family of four children, all of whom were loved beyond measure. He was a wonderful father who made sure to contact his children, offering advice and words of wisdom. He told them he loved them “every day”, always parting with a bear hug. The love he displayed for his family was palpable.

Ludwig departed this life on Monday, July 7, 2025, after suffering a heart attack. He was surrounded by his loving family as he made the transition.

He is preceded in death by his mother, father, brother, sister, and mother-in-law.

Ludwig leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Veronica; four children - Rujai, Elana, Skyla, and William; Twelve grandchildren - Brianna, Aniyah, Ciani, William, Ariel, Diamond, London, Khaseem, Kenedi, Monica, Kani and Serenity; and one great-granddaughter - Lu’Xuri; six brothers-in-law; one sister-in-law; a multitude of nieces and nephews, extended family and friends too numerous to count. He will forever be in our hearts!

A viewing for family and friends will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, 2200 Trenton Road, Levittown, PA 19056, followed by a funeral service 12:00 p.m.