Axel C. Tryde, 96, of Sandy Hook, formerly of Georgetown, Conn., died peacefully September 13, at the Connecticut Hospice in Branford, with his family at his bedside and his beloved sea outside his window. He was born in Grimstad, Norway, in 1917, and went to sea at the age of 14 with the Norwegian Merchant Marine.

He trained as a young boy aboard the Sorlandet, a three-masted sailing ship, leaving him with fond memories that lasted for a lifetime. He traveled the world by sea as a ship’s engineer, and visited everywhere that had a seaport. After the occupation of Norway, Mr Tryde joined the US Army. As a member of the 319th Combat Engineers of the 94th Infantry Division, he fought through Europe and into Germany under General Patton. He was wounded in Aachen, Germany, shortly before the end of the war, earning a Purple Heart.

He married Janet Stenberg of Georgetown in 1948, and settled in Georgetown where he lived for more than 60 years. He worked at the Gilbert and Bennett Wire Manufacturing Company until his retirement in 1982.

His daughter, Jackie zVon, and her husband Steve, of Sandy Hook; his beloved grandson, Steve zVon, Jr, of Seneca, S.C.; and several nieces and nephews survive Mr Tryde. His wife predeceased him in 2007, after almost 60 years of marriage; and his siblings Jacob Tryde, Holgar Tryde, Lillemor Overgaard, and Louise and Bibbi Tellefsen.

Mr Tryde was a true humanitarian, helping his fellow man wherever and whenever he could. He loved everyone he met, and they usually loved him right back. He was a man who would literally give away the shirt off his back.

Mr Tryde served as a volunteer firefighter with the Georgetown Volunteer Fire Company, and a volunteer with the Mark Twain Library. He was a member of the American Legion, the VFW, the Sons of Norway, and the Norwalk Boat Club.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the caring staff and volunteers at the Connecticut Hospice, and to Dr Andrew Webber, Danbury Hospital emergency physician.

Mr Tryde would not want those who knew him to mourn, but rather to celebrate his life and to continue his tradition of doing good deeds. A memorial service is planned for October; please contact the family for details.

Contributions in Mr Tryde's memory may be made to the Connecticut Hospice, Inc, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford CT 06405.