Gian Gaspare Trotta

‘Positive Thoughts Create A Superabundance

Of Grace’

Gian Gaspare Trotta, 49, of Newtown, died June 12. He was born June 16, 1961, in Oceanside, N.Y., the son of Lia (Frongia) and Lamberto Trotta.

A 1984 graduate of Hofstra University, with a BA in political science, Mr Trotta had been an online producer since 1988, when he helped create one of the first online newspapers in America — Newsday Online’s three-line dial-up BBS that ran on RBBS-PC software. At Prodigy, Time Inc, New Media, About.com, and MSNBC and CBS, he pioneered numerous other interactive news and community features. He won Wired Magazine’s 1996 Site of the Year Award for his production of LIFE Magazine. He was a print and online journalist and editor for well-known publications, including Consumer Reports Magazine and The Associated Press.

He had a great love of nature, and enjoyed fishing and sailing, especially at Block Island, where the family spent many summers. A devoted and doting father, he cherished his time with his daughter, Thea, sharing his love of the outdoors with her. He was an avid reader of European and American history.

Mr Trotta was a parishioner of the Church of St Mary, in Bethel.

His beloved wife Maria, daughter Thea, mother Lia Trotta, brother Michael Trotta, and sister Mariateresa Thiery survive him. He is also survived by his dear mother-in-law Angela Colantuono, and sisters-in-law Adele Colantuono and Michelle Trotta; a niece and a nephew. Mr Trotta was predeceased by his father.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Saturday, June 18, at 10:30 am, at the Church of St Mary, 26 Dodgingtown Road, Bethel. Cremation will be private.

Friends and family are invited to share a celebration of his life following the Mass, in the hall at St Mary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to an education fund for his daughter, at Thea Trotta Education Fund, 241 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231.

The Newtown Bee        June 17, 2011