James Tritapoe

James L. Tritapoe, 83, of Rohrersville, Maryland, passed from this life on Monday, May 20, 2013 while surrounded by his family at his home.

Born on August 6, 1929, in Brownsville, Maryland he was the son of the late Calvin Thomas and Rhoda Eugenia (Younkins) Tritapoe.

Mr. Tritapoe was a 1947 graduate from Brunswick High School.

He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp having served from 1952-1954 as a Sergeant.  He was the Battalion Armourer and received two meritorious promotions.

After his service in the Military, he returned to serve his machinist's apprenticeship with the B&O Railroad in Brunswick, Maryland.  Jim owned his own business, Valley Upholstery, from 1962 until his retirement.  He was well-known throughout Frederick and Washington Counties for his fine workmanship.  Jim also worked as a car salesman with Middletown Ford, Jenkin's Motor's and FSK Lincoln Mercury in Frederick.

He was a member of Pleasant View Church of the Brethren in Burkittsville, Maryland for 50 years; the Morris-Frock American Legion Post 42 in Hagerstown; the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks Lodge 378 in Hagerstown; the Eagle's Travel Club in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania; AARP; and the Golden Ballroom Dancers in Hagerstown.  Jim was a Past Master of the Columbia (Lynch) Lodge 58, A.F. & A.M. in Frederick, and also was a 32nd Degree Mason in the Scottish Rite of Frederick and Baltimore, Maryland.

Jim also like to travel with his wife before his illness.  He loved to make pretty things, including bird houses and foot stools, and also loved to do work for his children.

He is survived by his wife, Audrey D. (Stream) Tritapoe; two daughters, Teresa D. Biser of Middletown and Tammy D. Tritapoe of Martinsburg, West Virginia; two sisters, Eileen R. Bayles of Frederick, Maryland and Patricia D. Mohler of Brunswick, Maryland; two granddaughters, Megan Biser and Sabrina Pierson; and three great grandchildren, Austin and Tyler Crutchfield and DJ Pierson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his four brothers, Edward M., Calvin E., Richard W., and William L. Tritapoe.

A funeral ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 24, 2013 at the Brownsville Church of the Brethren, 1911 Rohrersville Road in Brownsville, Maryland.  Rev. R. Thomas Fralin, Jr. will officiate.  Final resting place ceremonies will follow at Brownsville Heights Cemetery.  Military honors will be rendered by the Clopper-Michael American Legion Post 10 from Boonsboro.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at the Bast-Stauffer Funeral Home, 7606 Old National Pike in Boonsboro.

Memorial Donations may be made to Hospice of Washington County, 747 Northern Avenue, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742.