In Memoriam: David Ross Trower

Please join in celebrating the life of beloved Saint Peter’s member, David Ross Trower (July 24, 1946 - July 3, 2023).

Mass of the Resurrection

Saturday, July 29, 2023

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 Noon

A reception follows in the Living Room.

Details

Doors at Lexington Avenue, the Sunken Plaza and 54th Street will open to the public at 10:00 a.m.

An organ prelude will begin at 10:15 a.m.

Those persons unable to join in person are invited to join the live stream or via the Church's Facebook page or YouTube channel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saint Peter's Pastors’ Discretionary Fund, which provides assistance in times of crisis or opportunity. Please make checks payable to "Saint Peters' Church Pastors’ Discretionary Fund" with "David Trower" in the memo. Gifts may also be made online by filling out the "Pastor’s Discretionary Fund” form below the general giving form here.

About David Trower

In the mercy of almighty God, David Ross Trower (July 24, 1946 - July 3, 2023) entered into the arms of Christ’s eternal peace on Monday evening, July 3, 2023. He was surrounded by family, including his daughter, Emily. His beloved wife, Carol, was with him almost continuously since Friday.

David, the eldest child in a military family that moved regularly, graduated from Brown University in 1968 and then came to New York City on a fellowship to study theology at Union Seminary. He drove a taxi cab for a year on a dare with one of his good friends at Union. David’s stories of this era were as reflective of the character of the City at that time as they are revealing of his insatiable inquisitiveness. Anyone who engaged David in conversation came immediately to know the intensity of his listening ear and the insightfulness of his observations.

David did not garner knowledge for his own keeping but shared it, and inspired a similar spirit in others, as a noted educator and administrator. From 1972 to 1990 his posts at The Collegiate School included teacher of English, History and Religion, Head of the Middle School and Head of the Upper School. He served as Head of The Allen-Stevenson School for 32 years, from 1990 to his retirement in June 2022.

David held numerous leadership positions at Saint Peter’s and was a key builder of Saint Peter’s/Citicorp Center. He served as a member of the organ committee which selected Klais Orgelblau to construct the Sanctuary’s iconic instrument, and later as chair of the worship committee. He was preparing to lead the fundraising for the restoration of the organ as part of our For the Future campaign.

David relished visiting museums and taking in theater. He was an avid opera-goer and an inveterate reader. In his brief retirement, David and Carol traveled extensively. A trip to Hawaii led onward to Japan and South Korea. They traveled together to the Yucatán with long-time vacation companions. They returned from an extended trip to Ireland and Spain this spring just in time for Holy Week at Saint Peter’s. Visits to family, especially to Carol’s homestead in Nebraska, brought him great joy and delight.

David is predeceased by his parents, the Rev. Ross Trower, Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy and U.S. military’s 15th Chief of Chaplains, and Margaret Trower. He is survived by siblings, Martha C. Edmonds (Edward) of Piffard, NY; Paul W. Trower of Minneapolis, MN; and John L. Trower (Rebecca) of Ramona, CA; daughter, with former wife, Kathy Young, Emily Trower-Young; and wife, Carol Trower.

Saint Peters