WHITEFIELD – Gary “Sam” Trussell, 76, passed away peacefully at his home on August 12, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Gardiner on July 21, 1945, and grew up in Pittston. His adult years were spent living in Topsham and Whitefield. He graduated from SMVTI as a Civil Engineer and spent 46 years working for Maine DOT. After retirement, he consulted with Kleinfelder, a private engineering firm.

He was a man of few words but much action. Some would say his passion was his career, considering it did take multiple retirement attempts before he stayed away. Others would say his passion was for woodworking and building things. He built a workshop above the garage, his happy place, where he would create everything from toy boxes to cabinets and many other projects. Many would even suggest being on his Kubota was what he enjoyed the most. But in reality, his passion was his family. Gary and his wife shared a relationship based on mutual support and a deep love for each other. His children and grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life. Family get-togethers around the pool or around the Christmas tree were the days he lived for. The legacy of Gary’s kind spirit, love for sports, craftsmanship, and love for life will live on through them.

He is now reunited with his parents, Roland and Marjory Trussell; and his brother, Bruce.

Gary is survived by his wife, Donna Trussell; five children, Jodi and husband Michael McCaffrey, Todd Trussell, Missy and husband Dov Cohen, Kristy and husband Billy Kinney, Luke Cote and fiancé Maeve O’Connor; three brothers, Chester and wife Bertha, Harold and wife Colleen, and Norman Trussell; 13 grandchildren, Tyler, Chloe, Dehvin, Hannah, Megan, Colin, Trey, Noah, Esmae, Aubrey, Aislinn, Zander, and Della; five great-grandchildren, Kasen, Eve, Lincoln, Olive, and Davina (who will be joining the family soon).

Visiting hours are Monday, August 16, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Staples Funeral Home in Gardiner, with a Celebration of Life at the First Congregational Church of Pittston (21 Arnold Rd.) on Tuesday, August 17 at 11 a.m., followed by the burial at the Riverside Cemetery (Arnold Road)

The celebration of life will be streamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/gary-trussell-2021.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Gary has twin great-grandchildren who were born premature. They have been in the NICU since June with serious heart complications. Though Lincoln was able to come home this week, Olive remains in the hospital.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a fund for the twins, with checks payable to Donna Trussell, to help them get a strong start; send to

Donna Trussell,

c/o The Gallery Hair Studio,

10 Main St., Suite 5,

Topsham, ME 04086.