Philip Denis Tritchler

TRITCHLER, Philip, 76, of Tampa, Florida passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2015. He was born on January 26, 1936 in Jamestown, North Dakota to Francis and Lorenze Tritchler. He attended Bessemer High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and received his Bachelor’s Degree from South West Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. He married Diana Bergefurd in 1981 and had a daughter, Amanda. Philip’s military career, in the United States Air Force, spanned 30 years and attained the prestigious rank of E-9/Chief Master Sergeant limited to 1% of the enlisted force. His Air Force assignments include Montana, Morocco, Massachusetts, Vietnam, Florida, Texas, Spain, Germany, Wyoming and follow along tours, with his wife, to Washington, D.C. and Arizona. His most successful career was as a father to his beloved daughter. His dry sense of humor and love of reading served him well as wordsmith and orator. He was fascinated with steam locomotives as a boy in Fargo which turned into a hobby in model railroading. He loved to travel at every opportunity and helped to develop his linguistic skills. He loved classical music with a special fondness for Mozart. He is survived by his loving wife, Diana; and his daughter, Amanda. He loved his spread out family and network of friends. “Love of my life and friend forever…course is run…work for home and country done…grant eternal life on high.” In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Philip’s memory to Morning Star School, 210 East Linebaugh Avenue, Tampa, Florida www.morningstartampa.org A memorial mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2015 at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 9724 Cross Creek Blvd, Tampa, Florida 33647. Interment will follow at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida. Words of comfort may be expressed for Philip’s family by clicking “Share a Memory.”