Michael Anthony Trofi, Sr., 81, Chepachet R.I., passed away Friday February 25th, 2022. Born in Providence to the late Salvatore and Angelina “Lena” (Cipriano) Trofi.
He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Therese (Tessier) Trofi, sons Michael (wife -Tracy) Trofi Jr., William (wife - Karen) Trofi, daughter Laura (LaFazia) Trofi, 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, brother Salvatore (wife - Ingrid) Trofi and sister Anne (late husband, John) Worley along with many nieces and nephews. He is preceded by his brother Vincent (late exwife – Ricky (Nijhoff) , late wife Helen (Matthews) Trofi.
Michael grew up in Providence receiving his high school diploma from LaSalle Academy in 1958, and bachelor’s degree in History Education from Rhode Island College in 1964. Working for the West Warwick Public School Department, Michael started his calling as an educator teaching history and social studies. He received his Master’s in Education from Rhode Island College in 1968 and became the Chair for the Department of Social Studies.
Motivated by compassion for students and their families, he worked with the Federal Government to support work experience programs for economically disadvantage youths such as Neighborhood Youth Corps, CETA, JTPA. He also took a great interest in both local and world politics and issues.
Michael Trofi was more than just an educator! He wore many hats throughout his years of service with the West Warwick School Department. Elected by his peers, he was the Vice President of the West Warwick Teacher’s Alliance supporting employees’ rights and working conditions. He used his expertise in applying for grants that would benefit both teachers and students.
After retiring from teaching in 1999, he took on the role as the Director of Professional Development Academy for the West Warwick School Department. He directed two national teacher summer training institutes a year at Salve Regina University, Newport Rhode Island and was actively involved in Civitas, an International Civic Education Exchange Program, which partners students/teachers from Rhode Island and Ireland.
Through his strong advocacy of Civic Education, Mike was a Member of the Rhode Island Legislature Commission on Civic Education and led a team of Rhode Islanders who attended the United States Congress’ Conference on Civic Education. As Director of Training for the Center for Civic Education he supported Project Citizen; We the People, also becoming the State Coordinator; School Violence Prevention Demonstration Project; Citizens not Spectators; James Madison Legacy.
Not just an educator, he was a great patriarch and took pride in the longevity of his marriage to his beloved wife Therese. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and watching his children grow into successful adults raising their families with a significant investment in their academic, athletic, and artistic endeavors. He served as mentor to both school and his Trofi family. He made many lifelong friendships and loved talking about history, politics, and sports especially, the New England Team’s: Bruins, Patriots, Red Sox’s. Last but not least, he always looked forward to his annual pilgrimage to the Men’s NCAA Frozen Four.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday March 4th at 11am in St. Paul the Apostle Church, 116 Danielson Pike, Foster. Visitation 4-7pm Thursday March 3rd in the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Route 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society National Multiple Sclerosis Society (nationalmssociety.org) or Alzheimer’s Association Alzheimer's Association (alz.org). You can view the Mass on Saturday at this link:
https://m.facebook.com/foster.catholic/