OBITUARY
Earl "Chip" Carl Trefry Jr.
March 5, 1948 – February 12, 2020
Earl Carl Trefry, Jr. (Chip), 71, joined his parents, Earl Carl Trefry, Sr., and Elizabeth Ann Lavis, his nephew William Richard Ellis and dear friend Richard (Dick) Montney, in heaven on Wednesday, February 12, 2020. Chip passed away peacefully surrounded by the love and support of his family.
A true New Englander at heart, Chip was born on March 5, 1948, in Quincy, Massachusetts. Raised in Hingham, his beloved coastal hometown, where he and his siblings created memories of a lifetime. As a young teen, he reluctantly moved south as his father pursued a successful insurance career. The Trefry’s landed in Jacksonville, Florida, a place they loved and would call home for the next six decades.
Chip was a graduate of Bishop Kenny High School (class of ‘67), an athlete on the football and golf teams, earning a golf scholarship. He then proudly graduated from the University of Florida, College of Business (class of ’72).
From an early age, he was a leader, tenaciously competitive and had a rebel spirit. He learned to box from his father, showing bullies not to mess with him or his sisters. He enjoyed taking risks and did so with a few of his favorite toys; a hydroplane boat, Harley and Corvette, to name a few. He spent as much time outdoors as he could and was always on the go.
Earl got his nickname, Chip, due to his uncanny similarities to his father, but the name suited him in more ways than one. He had a pure love for the game of golf and chipped his way across the world’s courses. If you were looking for Chip early Saturday morning, more times than not you’d find him at San Jose Country Club with his regular foursome. He was a long-standing member of the club since 1964, making a hole-in-one on each par-3. He even named one of his children after golf’s greatest, Jack Nicklaus. He wasn’t just fond of golf, he enjoyed many other sports too as he played hockey, football, baseball, and coached his children’s teams.
Chip’s love of golf led him to serve his community in many ways, including serving many years as a board member and President of The First Tee of Northeast Florida, founding the SJCC Dick Montney Tree Tournament, and Chairing the Daniel Kids Golf Classic. He passionately advocated for charitable causes through his leadership skills and fundraising efforts. Chip enthusiastically set new fundraising goals for each tournament, proudly exceeding expectations.
He always kept his word, maintaining the highest level of respect and integrity, which showed itself in his sportsmanship and career. He was a hard-working entrepreneur focused on propelling forward and in 1974 formed a family-owned financial planning, insurance, and benefits corporation. Due to his strong vision, the company later became nationally recognized as a leader in its industry receiving countless awards—Lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Table, 11+ years Top of the Table, recognized multiple times on Inc. Magazine’s fastest-growing private companies and the Gator100, the 100 fastest-growing Gator-owned or Gator-led businesses in the world.
Above all, Chip’s legacy was his family and leaving the Trefry name “better than he found it”. His memory will go on as he touched many lives, but we’ll always think of him every time we step foot on a driving range, attend The Players Championship, eat the belly of an Ipswich fried clam, watch the Christmas Carol, see the Red Sox win the World Series or a father playing catch with his kid.
Accomplished businessman, loved and respected husband, father, brother, grandfather (Ippie) and friend, Chip is survived by his high school sweetheart, wife of 50 years, Suzanne Southcott Trefry; his children: Earl Carl Trefry, III (Chet)/Spouse Cindy, Aimee Trefry Powell/Spouse Eric, Nicklaus Albert Trefry/Spouse Stephanie, and Courtney Michele Trefry/Spouse John; his six grandchildren: Tylar and Christian Powell, Jacob and Morgan Trefry, Nicklaus Jr. (TJ) and Graham Trefry; his siblings: Penny Borgia/Spouse Frank, Pat Ellis, Susan Pattillo/Spouse David; and many nieces and nephews.
The celebration of Chip’s life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 23 at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Legacy Lodge, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida 32207, followed by an open reception at the San Jose Country Club, 7529 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida 32217.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Earl Carl Trefry, Jr. (Chip) to the following charities:
The First Tee of North Florida Address: 475 W Town Pl, Suite 115 St. Augustine, FL 32092
Daniel Kids Address: 4203 Southpoint Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32216
The Trefry family is grateful for the care Chip received from doctors, nurses and caregivers, especially at the Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida.
DONATIONS
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The First Tee of North Florida
475 W Town Pl, Suite 115 , St. Augustine, Florida 32092
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Daniel Kids
4203 Southpoint Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida 32216
Services
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Memorial Service
Sunday, February 23, 2020
Memories
Earl "Chip" Carl Trefry Jr.
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYmurrell Weissinger
February 12, 2021
my memories of Chip are probably like so many peoples but i wanted to say that he had an amazing gift of treating every individual as special. Certainly his kindness and the support he gave me will always stay with me. i miss him as i know so many many people do... he was such an exceptional human being. I am proud to have called him my friend.
Patty Tyler
February 25, 2020
Dear Suzanne, I heard about Chip passing today. I am so sorry for your loss. Chip was the nicest guy and so genuinely good at running an agency. He will be missed! Sincerely,
Mike Wood
February 23, 2020
Dear Suzanne,
I was saddened to hear of Chip's passing this past week. I wanted you to know that he was very instrumental in helping me in the early days of my own Insurance practice. He took time out of his busy days to see how I was doing and offered me timely guidance.
The one thing I always remembered about Chip is his competitiveness always striving to improve his business and yes his golf game. He will be sorely missed by us all. My thoughts & prayers go out to you and your beautiful family.
Kindest regards ,
Mike (Woody)
Michele Olney
February 22, 2020
Suzanne and family. My heartfelt prayers and condolences as you mourn the loss of Chip. He is in heaven now and pain free. The greats who went before him have welcomed him into their loving arms. He is up there playing golf and singing with the angels. God bless you and your family as you share happier memories of Chip.
Michele Olney
Robert Wilhelm
February 21, 2020
One of the very kindest, selfless and caring men I have ever known.
A man of utmost integrity, always willing to be of service. My wife Darlene and I are so grateful to have known Chip for many years and offer the sincerest of condolences to a fine family who will miss him greatly.
Rest in peace, Chip. You have served your Master well indeed.
Bob and Darlene Wilhelm
John Sapora
February 21, 2020
It was a privilege to work with Chip on The First Tee of Jacksonville and North Florida. His passion for kids and vision for the organization were inspiring and essential to our mission. Also thanks to him thousands of attorney families in several states have excellent health-related benefits, which is a great legacy of service.
SANDY LILLIS
February 20, 2020
I am very sad to learn of Chip's passing today. As a good friend of his sister, Pat, I learned to know that he was a very good brother. She has told wonderful stories of him all through our 50 year friendship. I send my condolences to Pat and all of the family. He will be sorely missed by all. Sandy Lillis
Murrell Weissinger
February 20, 2020
I just learned of Chip’s passing moments ago. I’m so very very sad and devastated by the news. I can only imagine what you Suzanne and your family are going through. He was an extraordinary man, loved and appreciated by all who knew him. He was a kind of mentor for me with TheFirst Tee, encouraging me and appreciating my participation. I couldn’t have done my volunteer job without his help. Chip, you are unforgettable and missed more than you could imagine.
Suzanne Kirklin
February 19, 2020
I am so grateful to Chip and Suzanne for letting me join in their lives through Business Planning Concepts for 14 years. I couldn't have ask for a better boss and friend. My sorrow and love to you Suzanne and the family whom I grew to know so well. My prayers are with you all.
Scott Glazier
February 19, 2020
The one word I think of when I think of Chip is tenacious. It was said in his memorial and I agree. He was tenacious in whatever he was doing, whether it was golf, business, philanthropy or his hobbies. If you worked or played with him, he brought out your competitive spirit and made you better or you got run over. I like to think he made me better and I can't think of a better tribute to anyone than saying he made me better. Rest in Peace my friend and my condolences to Suzanne and the family.
Todd Piersol
February 18, 2020
Chip lived the kind of life I aspire to lead. He was gritty, he was a leader, he enjoyed himself and his family, and he was an ethical and shrewd businessman. He also showed me what it was like to really get involved in the community. I wish I had known him longer. He will be missed.
Todd
Robert Dawkins
February 18, 2020
I am so sorry to learn of Chip's passing. He was a wonderful man, full of kindness, compassion, energy, and integrity. And not so bad as a golfer! I will truly miss him! My condolences to all of you!
Sheila Baldwin
February 18, 2020
With sadness, I learned of Chip’s passing a few days ago. I met Chip 10 years ago through business and I was impressed with his enthusiasm for providing the best insurance solutions and extraordinary service to those he assisted. He became a friend which with Chip includes his family Suzanne, Courtney and Nick who each reflect the same warmth and integrity he did. Over the years I enjoyed hearing him tell stories about his love of family, sports and work. I was not aware of the significant philanthropic footprint he left but that is not a surprise. The beautiful tributes to Chip by family and friends blessed me and they honor his memory as one who “left his family and the Trefry name better than he found it.” He will not be forgotten. As one who ordered his life well, his memory and his work will continue.
Jim Tudor
February 17, 2020
Our thoughts are with the entire Trefry family. I had the pleasure of working with them when I was at GACS, plus seeing them at our conventions, etc. Great family, great folks to do business with. Godspeed my friend.
Mike Rogero
February 17, 2020
A great friend is now gone. I was so glad I was able to share lunch with him a couple of weeks ago and thanked him for coming by the ice skating rink to watch me play a game of hockey a few days before. My regret was not having opportunity to flip the puck around which I knew he wanted to do when he purchased new ice skates and we did a few sessions of public skating to get in shape. From the the Bishop Kenny golf team, to the times at Hingham, to working together in early 70's in the insurance business, and to watching him build an incredibly successful insurance enterprise, Chip my friend you will be sorely missed. Rest in the peaceful hands of the Lord.
Rob Cochran
February 17, 2020
To Suzanne, Nick, Courtney, Chet and the entire family. I just learned a few minutes ago of Chip’s passing. I am so sorry for your tremendous loss! I am so saddened by this and can’t believe that Chip is gone. We spoke just a few weeks ago as he was heading out to try and play golf with one of his good friends. I will surely miss my friend and business associate. We had some great times working and playing together. Chip was a man of his word, and fiercely loyal to his family and friends. He was an amazing businessman and with the help of his family, built an extremely successful family business. He was so pleased that he knew the business was in excellent hands going forward. I will always appreciate and be indebted to Chip for his contribution to my success. He was a very special person and I will never forget him. God bless each of you and may the peace of God comfort you during this difficult time.
Tom Raffo
February 17, 2020
A total shock today upon learning of Chip’s passing. A longtime friend of at least 38+ years, we shared iconic baseball stories from Bishop Kenny to the Boston Red Sox. Our conversations were most memorable, and our friendship was special.
Suzanne please know how incredibly sorry I am, and that the family is in our prayers.
God Bless, Tom Raffo
Robin Norton
February 17, 2020
Suzanne I am so sorry to hear this. Chip was an example for us all on working hard and giving back. He will certainly be missed. Love to you and the family. Go Gators Chip.
Angela Walton
February 17, 2020
I remember my first time meeting Chip at AIPAGIA....I met Nick and Stephanie in Colorado, and became fast friends with them along with Chip and Suzanne, everyone was so much fun.....from then I fell in love with the entire family. Spence and I spent a wonderful vacation in their Jacksonville home and he toured us around town at all the beautiful places. It was such fun being with everyone! Nick, Suzanne, Steph....I’m so heart broken over this and I want you all to know we love you and thinking of you! Take care of yourselves during this tough time!!!
We miss you all!
Angela and Spence
Jo Oetjen
February 17, 2020
Suzanne and family,
So sorry to hear of Chip's passing. Prayers and hugs go out to you.
Jo Pierce Oetjen
Jim Spitsen
February 17, 2020
I am shocked and saddened to learn of Chip's passing. He was always so friendly and open at our AIPAGIA meetings. You could tell that family was everything to him. We will keep Chip and the Trefry family in our prayers.
Jim & Kathy Spitsen
Jim Ray
February 17, 2020
Our prayers, thoughts and love for peace to the Trefry Family during this difficult time. We are shocked to hear this news. Many blessings to you all! As per the “competitor nature” that Chip possessed, you knew that it was always going to be a battle and that’s what I loved about a Chip! He was and is a winner in life!
Lola Rebecca Mcdaniel
February 17, 2020
Suzanne and Chip were mine and Rick's neighbors at their weekend home in St. Augustine we shared a lots of days at the beach and riding motorcycles He is missed
Robert Pogachnik
February 17, 2020
Suzanne, I am so sorry to hear of Chip's passing. My condolences and prayers for you and the family at this most difficult time.
San Juanita Flores-Zapata
February 17, 2020
I am still in disbelief. I will miss Chip but have so many fond memories of him. I enjoyed our talks when he came to Texas. I always looked forward to his stories. Love and hugs to the entire family. 🙏
Connie Lyons Weinbaum
February 17, 2020
So terribly sorry to hear this, Chet. I enjoyed your Dad both socially and professionally. Don’t know the circumstances, but do know he was too young to go. Love and prayers for you and assorted other family members that I know. So, so sorry. Chip was a good man.
Gray Quetti
February 17, 2020
I am deeply saddened by Chip's passing. I have worked with Chip for the past 20+ years and he has been a great friend and mentor. My prayers go out to the family during this time. We will miss you dearly, my friend.
Frank Smetak
February 17, 2020
Chip was a great friend and golf partner at San Jose CC. We shared many good times together on the course and off. His dedication to building the First Tee organization was a great gesture. He was one of the best story tellers around, with just enough embellishment to make it truly enjoyable. My deepest sympathy to the Suzanne & the family. Chip will be missed by us all.
Ron Dedicos
February 16, 2020
Chip was one of my dearest friends. We shared candid stories about family and business while playing the links of the golf course. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family. He will be missed more than words can express. Life won’t be the same without him to all who knew him!
Martha Berry
February 16, 2020
Words cannot express the sorrow I feel with Chip's passing. Although he has left this earth he will never be gone, for he lives in our hearts forever. My prayers for you all at this difficult time.
Dan & Cathy Curtin
February 16, 2020
Our deepest condolences and our thoughts are with all of you. The love that you had for Chip can never be taken away. May your memories comfort you.