Stanley Sherman Trotman Jr.

Stanley S. Trotman, Jr., died peacefully at home on December 10, 2025, at the age of 82. He had recently celebrated a meaningful Thanksgiving surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren, and had the chance to recognize all the blessings in his life. At his core, he was a generous, curious, courageous man who connected deeply with people of all ages. 

Born in New Haven, CT during World War II to Ruth and Stanley Trotman, he was nicknamed Dinghy since his father was the Captain of a mine sweeper that was the first ship into Anzio, allowing the Allies to take an essential first step in recapturing Europe. From a very young age, Stan had a keen interest in business creation and the financial markets. At the enterprising age of nine, he started a small operation making plaster Christmas figurines and selling them door to door.  He liked earning money and had a summer job at a lumber yard, but he also enjoyed his many years at Camp Lanakila and in Weekapaug, RI.

After attending Hopkins and Choate, Stan earned his BA in American Studies from Yale University. He was recruited to the crew team initially because of his tall stature and ping-pong skills but quickly proved himself a capable oarsman. He was very grateful for his Yale experience and the dear friends with whom he shared that journey. After graduating, he became an enthusiastic Yale Class of 1965 Major Gifts co-chairman for six reunions, culminating in his 60th reunion this past spring. He also loved conducting alumni interviews with Yale applicants because it gave him an opportunity to hear their stories and express his respect for the institution. 

Earning his MBA from Columbia Business School in 1967 during the Vietnam War was a pivotal moment for Stan, and he couldn’t wait to start his investment banking career at Drexel in its health care group. The firm was an exciting place to work since it was forging innovative financing tools. They also hired a group of diverse and talented young women whom Stan recognized early on as the best teammates, and he stayed in touch with several of these accomplished, pathbreaking women and their children. After Drexel, he joined Kidder Peabody, Paine Webber, and UBS as the industry consolidated. He was excellent at building genuine client relationships and mentoring young people across his various firms, giving them significant responsibility early in their careers. 

Throughout his professional life, Stan served on several healthcare-related public and private boards, including WebMD, American Shared Hospital Services, and Charter Medical. He often started or chaired audit committees because he cared about good governance. After retiring, he translated this expertise into the nonprofit sector, where he derived great pleasure from volunteering with several organizations advancing health, science, and education. He served on the Boards of the Tisch MS Research Center of New York, the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Association, the East Woods School, and the Outreach Committee for Christ Memorial Chapel in Florida. In each of these roles, Stan loved convening and sharing ideas, whether it was with Nobel Prize-winning scientists or at-risk youth. He was at his best when he was advancing and financing opportunity for others. 

Stan’s real pride and greatest joy was his family! After his sophomore year at Yale, he was invited by a buddy to tag along for a summer house party being hosted by someone from Smith College—perhaps the best decision he ever made. He quickly realized that the host was a young dynamo named Susie Page, and he was immediately drawn to her energy. They married two years later, just two weeks after graduating from college. Anyone who has encountered Stan and Susie knows that this was a legendary relationship. Together, they navigated several daunting health challenges and demonstrated an enduring commitment to each other that serves as a model for all of us. This past summer, they hosted a joyous celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary with their beloved two children, Julia (John Hommeyer) and Nick (Jenny Grammas), and five grandchildren (Lila, Claire, Ava, Rose and Mac). 

While Stan contracted multiple sclerosis at age 33 and lived with it for almost 50 years, he never actually got the message that he had a debilitating disease. And he certainly didn’t let it define him. He displayed outrageous courage, grit and determination, trying all manner of treatments, and never complaining once about how his vision was becoming distorted or his legs were going numb. Stan lived a life full of grace and gratitude, always choosing to move forward. His passion for golf was perhaps the best manifestation of this persistence and sense of hope, as he continued to play the game until late September this year. In his latter years, despite being able to swing the club with just one arm, he managed to score TWO hole-in-ones—an epic feat for even a pro golfer swinging with two arms. Stan just loved life! 

He was predeceased by his siblings Elizabeth Trotman Davis (Tom still living) and Arthur E. Trotman (Kate still living), his parents (Ruth and Stanley Trotman), his stepmother (Barbara Trotman), and his daughter-in-law (Abi Trotman). 

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 3:30 PM at Christ Memorial Chapel, 52 South Beach Road, Hobe Sound, FL, and livestream access information will be available at www.stanleytrotman24.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the outreach efforts with which Stan was involved for many years to help those in need in Florida at Christ Memorial Chapel, P. O. Box 582, Hobe Sound, FL 33475. Please note “Outreach” on the memo line.