Hundreds Attend Vigil for Wenham's Joe and Anna Trustey

Image via Shore Country Day School

By ADAM SWIFT (Patch Staff)

More than 300 guests filled Shore Country Day School’s Dining Hall in Beverly on Thursday evening to grieve and pay tribute to former Board of Trustees President Joe Trustey and his daughter Anna, a Shore graduate of the Class of 2013, who were killed in a Milwaukee plane crash on July 29, according to school officials. They were residents of Wenham.

Head of School Larry Griffin greeted and hugged visitors, including many classmates of Anna and her younger sister Claire, who graduated from Shore in June.

Parents, faculty, and friends joined the students in writing notes of condolence and remembrance to be delivered to the Trustey family.

The Trusteys have been part of the Shore Country Day School family for many years: Joe as Board member and then president, daughters Claire and Anna as exemplary students, athletes, artists, and performers, and mom Kris as their biggest supporter, lead volunteer, tireless fundraiser, and friend to countless students and parents, faculty and staff.

At the evening vigil, community members lit memorial candles for Joe and Anna and again listened as Griffin paid tribute.

Griffin referred to remarks he made on Anna’s graduation, calling her energized and upbeat, with a personality that attracted strong friendships.

“Her grounded, positive outlook propelled her as a community force for good. An artist, actor, dancer, athlete, and peer-elected Senator, Anna’s pursuits were deep and purposeful,” Griffin stated. “She was looking forward to being the captain of her soccer team at Brooks School this fall - showing that she carried forward the kind of leadership she developed here at Shore. None of us could be more proud of her and her family and what they stood for.”

Griffin also remembered Joe, with whom, as Board president, he had worked closely for three years.

“In my lifetime, I’ve met few truly visionary leaders, with the confidence, the charisma, and the bravado to literally turn the tide of a group and raise expectations at the same time,” Griffin remarked. “This is Joe Trustey.”

Shore School officials stated that he thoughts and prayers of all at Shore are with Kris, Claire, and Caroline Trustey at this incredibly difficult time.