Thomas McMahon Troja – loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend – passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 21, 2022.
Tom was born to the late Catherine (Cassie) McMahon Troja & John Francis Troja on June 5, 1955 in Manila, the Philippines. His family moved shortly thereafter to Bronxville, New York, where he attended St. Joseph’s School and The Bronxville Schools.
After graduating from Bronxville High School, Tom found his way to Boston University where he completed his Bachelor’s degree in History & Economics. Tom then ventured west to earn his Master’s from USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Tom started his career as a cable television producer at CBS Cable, and later The Disney Channel, before moving on to Decker Communications, where he worked as a consultant for ten years. With his independent spirit, Tom founded two companies, EmotionEngine in 1998, and Social Symphony in 2009. Both companies focused on the emerging social media space, and eventually led to his proprietary “Social Archetyping” tool used to drive social conversation for brands such as Jack Daniel’s, Red Bull, Marriott Rewards, Chevron, Doubleday, and Western Union. Tom frequently presented at iMedia conferences and panels alongside fellow marketing professionals and experts representing various brands in the social media space.
Tom welcomed his daughter, Tevon in 1990, and son, Matt in 1992. He proudly raised his two children in the same house in which he grew up. Some of Tom’s fondest memories came from watching Tevon and Matt grow up in his hometown. Whether he was coaching Matt and his friends in little league, or camping with Tevon and her Girl Scout friends, Tom was a doting father who loved spending each moment with his children. Tom especially loved spending summers at Yankee Stadium with Tevon and Matt, taking in a ballgame on cool summer nights and sunny afternoons – all while creating memories to last a lifetime.
In 2014, Tom suffered a stroke while on an airplane returning from a vacation. The stroke was a difficult challenge for Tom, and while it presented many hurdles, it also became the inspiration to tell his full life’s story in his recently published book, “Know Yourself: A Journey from Lost to Found” which was built on the back of his experiences in business and life.
Tom will be greatly missed by his children, Tevon Palermo and Matthew Troja, his son-in-law Henry Palermo, his beloved granddaughter, Annie Palermo, his brothers John (Sarah) Troja, and Grant (Kathy) Troja, his nieces and nephews, as well as the many friends who became family over the course of his lifetime. Tom is reunited in heaven with his parents, John and Cassie Troja, and brother, Robert Troja.
In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to the American Heart Association or American Stroke Association.
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Eric Miller says
January 7, 2023 at 10:29 amI will always remember Tom as Grant’s and John’s little, but very tall, brother. Sweet, easy going nature. On my infrequent trips back to Bronxville over the years and it was always comforting to know that there was still a Troja family on Meadow Ave. RIP, Tom.
Janet Hoffman says
January 7, 2023 at 10:47 amDear Troja Family,
You have our many sympathies on the sudden loss of Tom. Even in the short time we knew him, he offered so many gifts to the world and loved you all so very much. Many graces to you as you mourn his loss. Janet McGivern and Todd Hoffman
Christi Weild says
January 7, 2023 at 12:42 pmDearest Tevi,
Sending you and your brother, Matt much love during this very difficult time. I always liked your dad and found him so refreshing and fun to talk to. Please know you’re being held close to our hearts here in Nashville. We love you.
Roger Jacobs says
January 7, 2023 at 9:58 pmTommy was one of my best friends from high school and even to this day. Although I didn’t see him much over the years, I spoke with him fairly frequently, the last time only a couple of months ago, and loved him like a brother. I can honestly say that I shared some of the best times of my life with him, mostly BECAUSE of him. His optimism and lust for life was infectious, and just being with him put me in the happiest of places. My sincere condolences go out to his family – the world just won’t be the same for any of us now that Tommy is no longer in it.
Jon Ottens says
January 8, 2023 at 12:01 pmWell Tro…treetro…sobriquet given by the bleachers…6th grade… my bros best friend…..many a great hoop game at the field… u and h-boy either picking or the first pick… just throw it to tro n basket…anyway my old man back in 1969 wake at McGraths and service at st joes…. So memories even sadder seeing an old friend gone so quickly Jt talked to u a few times a week down in Charlottesville so was updated…knowing u as long as I did… never knew u had the Irish in u…got the Irish looks for sure….biggest regret… not going to New Orleans with u right before the bean town snow storm back in 78…u dragging me to Bruce Springsteen in bean town… he was phenomenal… first album… not going to see dire straits on comm ave for there first album…the rumble in Kensington square in bean town with Jt, conno, u and me . Some townie grabbed u and we were all on the floor rumbling… we got thrown out.. ice piles… snow…. Cat u were scrapping with was on the bottom… conno called the cops said they had knives and chains…thankfully not true…but paddy wagon came and arrested those townies… they loved coming down and picking fights… Giff and me …. But don’t pick on the tro…helping me pick all those hockey player courses at BU! my condolences to your kids and family …. Hits all too hard who knew you….God Bless
Angel came down from heaven yesterday
She stayed with me just long enough to rescue me
And she told me a story yesterday,
About the sweet love between the moon and the deep blue sea
And then she spread her wings high over me
She said she’s gonna come back tomorrow
And I said “fly on my sweet angel,
Fly on through the sky,
Fly on my sweet angel,
Tomorrow I’m gonna be by your side”
Sure enough this morning came on to me
Silver wings silhouetted against the child’s sunrise
And my angel she said on to
“Today is the day for you to rise,
Take my hand, you’re gonna be my man,
You’re gonna rise”
And she took me high over yonder
And I said “fly on my sweet angel,
Fly on through the sky,
Fly on my sweet angel,
Forever I will be by your side”
David Gifford says
January 8, 2023 at 4:32 pmMy deepest sympathies to all the Troja family. Tommy was bigger than life (literally!) and a true friend as far back as I can remember and, Oh, what times we had! Ha! Was sleeping on the Scout Cabin Roof really a good idea?! Fortunately, you woke me just before I was about to roll off the edge! So many memories I will hold dear. I’m gonna miss you brother and hope to see you on the other side. Peace be with you.
Jon Ottens says
January 9, 2023 at 5:23 amHow can I forget….leaving Hartford airport with Jake piloting a 4 seater… me, tro and nones and captain got my wings Jacobs…. Flew to Marthas vineyard in cruddy weather… Jake used the ocean as a guide so we wouldn’t crash… amazing Jake wasn’t zaying …landed at the grass airport… before the island got ruined when Clinton made it famous in the 90’s…hah… great bar story to pick up chicks but we had no car!!! Hitched to John trojas house!! Anyway tro didn’t need no plane as he was like a flower to a ?… beautiful women loved him and he married 2….remember he stayed down in North Carolina for the hurricane… he was intrepid, great taste in music, great smile and he ALWAYS had my back….and he’d pick me on his team at those lot b’ball games….and he as smart as a whip
God Bless your family and especially your kids as losing the old man is a sad part of life….
But for the Grace of God
Jon Ottens
James klepper says
January 9, 2023 at 8:20 amAlmost the same birthday as me…
Mike Turner says
January 11, 2023 at 2:30 pmOn behalf of my family, descendants of Theodore Troja, who I believe was an uncle, I’d like to express my heartfelt condolences and comfort to his family. I wish I had been able to know Tom, as he sounds like he was an amazing man!
Love from your Arizona cousins,
Mike Turner
Brooke White says
January 12, 2023 at 4:26 pmMy deepest and most heartfelt condolences on this truly shocking loss. I had the honor of working with Tom on his book for the last five and half years and got to witness neuroplasticity in action. He had faced and overcome so many obstacles in the short time I knew him. I wish all who knew him could have celebrated the monumental accomplishment of writing this book with him as I had the privilege of doing. “Know Yourself: The Journey from Lost to Found” is all the more profound and necessary for anyone who wants to hold onto Tom’s perspective, humor, and depth. So much love for this man.
Fred H McGrath & Son, Inc. is a third generation; family owned and operated Funeral Home. Located in the Village of Bronxville, the McGrath family has been serving the surrounding communities of Bronxville, Eastchester, Tuckahoe, Mt. Vernon, Yonkers and Scarsdale since 1918.
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