David H. Trombley

David H. Trombley of Farmington, Michigan passed away April 11, 2025, at the age of 87. He was born September 2, 1937, in Farmington to Henry and Beulah Trombley, graduating from Farmington High School in 1955.

David spent most of his life in the Farmington area where he had deep family ties.  Although telling his mother after the first week of kindergarten that he did not want to return to school, he went on to earn his degree in mechanical engineering from Lawrence Tech, and later in life, a law degree from Detroit College of Law, graduating with a Doctorate in Law.  David prided himself on his unique educational background to defend those who were injured on the job in industrial capacities and was often called upon as an expert witness on engineering matters.

David met and married Margaret Smith Trombley in 1968.  For he and “Mimi”, their nieces and nephews were their surrogate children.  They both adored all national holidays and never missed a parade, fireworks or festival, most often with children in tow and always acting like big kids themselves.  Their love for animals was also boundless, with many cats and dogs taken in over the years. David and Margaret were very involved with their church, and especially with the youth programs. 

David was able to reconnect with a special high school classmate in his later years and very much enjoyed spending time with Barb in Grand Rapids. He loved accompanying her to Ontario to meet her family and to attend plays at the Stratford Shakespeare Theatre Festival.

Family and friends were very important to him and he could be found wherever there was food or a good garage sale! Dave was known for his quick wit and dry sense of humor and he was never without a joke, some retold over the years, but always a new one for a laugh.  He was the master of a pun.  Those who knew Dave would no doubt say he was “One of a Kind”, and gatherings will never be the same without him.  

David was preceded in death by his wife Margaret Trombley. Loving brother of Linda Peckham (the late Ralph). Caring brother-in-law of Dorothy (the late Jack) Netzley. Devoted uncle of Erika Peckham, Krista (Faris) Arabo, Lori (Robert) Saldivar, Julie (Mike) Bemben, James (Julie) Netzley. Beloved great-uncle of Jamison, Emmaline, Jonathan, Solene Arabo, Zach Bemben, and Alex and Jessica Netzley. Special significant other of Barbara Cone. Cherished friend and confidant to Jim (Carolyn) Aymer. Visitation Wednesday April 23, 2025, from 3-8 pm at Thayer-Rock Funeral Home, 33603 Grand River Ave., Farmington, Michigan. Instate Thursday, April 24, 2025, 10 am until time of funeral service at 11 am at First United Methodist Church, 33112 Grand River Ave., Farmington, Michigan. Interment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery, 34200 Grand River Ave., Farmington, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorial donations to First United Methodist Church or to the Michigan Humane Society.