Norman and Ann Trykowski

Born on January 9, 1932 in Elma, N.Y., Norm is predeceased by his parents, Bronislaw and Sophie Trykowski, and eight siblings.

Ann was born on August 10, 1936 in Buffalo, N.Y. and is also predeceased by her parents, Jacob G. and Ann M. (Schill) Zimmerman, and brother Raymond G. Zimmerman.

Norm graduated from high school in 1951, joined the U.S. Navy and served as a diesel engineman on the Destroyer Escort, USS Snowden DE-246 during the Korean War conflict until 1955. Two weeks before he shipped out, he met then 15-year-old Ann Marie Zimmerman at a friend’s birthday party and they fell in love. Ann worked at the Buffalo General Hospital and a national sporting agency after high school. Numerous “my first love” love letters were exchanged over four years until they married in November 1955 and made their home in Wales Hollow, N.Y. The young couple moved to Chicago, IL where Norm completed his diesel mechanical training at Greer Technical Institute before returning to Buffalo, N.Y.

In 1969, Norm and Ann and their three children moved to Tallahassee, FL and started Inland Diesel Fuel Injection Service, Inc. Norm trained his sons in the field of diesel fuel injection and mechanical repairs to service the area’s agricultural and industrial mechanical needs while Ann managed the business office until 1993. That same year, the family opened W.T. Transport, Inc., a long-haul trucking company featuring Peterbilt 379 tractors that operated until 2009 when Norm and Ann retired.

Norm and Ann dedicated their lives to balancing the many demands of operating a family business with the adoring attention to their children and four grandchildren’s school, extracurricular and church activities. Described as fueled by physical and moral strength, unwavering faith and unconditional love, they were perpetually together and prepared. They travelled to various sporting, musical and scouting events, school volunteer events, Soap Box Derby rallies, cook-outs, church functions and U.S. Navy reunions with Ann’s purse filled with snacks and first-aid items, and coolers full of food and beverages to share with the masses. In 1988, they joined the Holiday Rambler Recreational Vehicle Club, Inc., Suwannee River Ramblers Chapter and enjoyed many years of fellowship, helping with roadside RV repairs and cheering on the Florida State Seminoles while travelling in their Holiday Rambler Presidential.

Norm and Ann liked gardening, birdwatching and sharing the harvest from their various citrus trees. Norm’s meticulous manicuring of their velvet-like green lawn was envied by all. They enjoyed having gatherings at their home and making sure guests were fed and entertained came easily to them. After a long day’s work, they loved visiting with family and friends in the garage, grilling and listening to music, some of which was emceed and recorded by Norm on cassette tape live from the Brown Carpet Studio at WSKI, also known as their living room.

Norm and Ann were active members of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and assisted in serving coffee and doughnuts after the 8 a.m. Mass for more than 30 years. Norm had a keen recollection of the parishioners’ desire for regular or decaf coffee and had a flair for pouring. His never-ending sense of humor will be missed by all. Ann ensured the doughnuts were delivered and prepared during fellowship with their vast circle of friends.

Norm was an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus Council #3521, Past Faithful Navigator of Fr. Hugon Assembly #0170, C.H.R.P. and the American Legion Sauls Bridges Post #13. Ann participated in the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration for countless years, served on the Pastoral Council and was the coordinator of kitchen supplies and refreshments. She was an associate Member of the Blessed Sacrament Women's Guild and the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary.

Norm will be remembered for his humble faith and his laid-back and patriotic-proud lifestyle, as well as being blessed with a great head of hair under his signature Stetson hat. His vast mechanical skills and always having the right tool or machinery allowed him to provide for his family and be of assistance to others in their time of need. Ann will be remembered for her homemaking and bookkeeping skills, charitable generosity and including her family, the family business and her friends in her daily prayers. Several of her cherished recipes will be passed on to future generations in her memory.

Norm and Ann were faithfully devoted in marriage for 68 years and put God first in their everyday lives. As adored parents, grandparents and in-laws, they are survived by Lisa M. (Kenrick) DeGannes, David A. Trykowski and Donald J. (Adrienne) Trykowski; four grandchildren, Arielle and Karis DeGannes, Sarah B. Hayes and Jacob Donald Trykowski; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass will be at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 624 Miccosukee Road in Tallahassee, at 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, followed by a burial at 1:00 p.m. at the Tallahassee National Cemetery, 5015 Apalachee Parkway, in Tallahassee. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church or Knights of Columbus Council #3521.