Wayne lived in New Hope, PA early 80’s to – Late 90’s he was friends with a bevy of characters. Most notably Jim Kephart, Randy Jamison, Steve Huck, and Gordon Pulaski to name a few.
As the story goes Wayne lived at the Ruines (The Mill) by the new hope Rail Road tracks for a short time he knew Rupert – said to have held an original collection of Andy Warhol’s raw silk screens. Wayne would often tell stories about the crazy parties at the Mill. this story may or may not be factual but It’s a good one regardless.
He loved the Raven and the Cartwheel and young men, he was quite charming. While in New Hope he worked as a contractor for Jim Kepherat at he called Momossia Cottage, where we all met after a night of clubbing, that’s where I first met Wayne, we soon became good friends. Wayne later moved out to West Yellowstone Montana to be a foreman on The Kephart Fanimaly 650 acre ranch. Which is now a guest ranch by the name of “Bar-N-Ranch. I was lucky to have worked with him for two years at the ranch. We had some wild times.
He never spoke much about his past, but we did enjoy our happy hours at the ranch entertaining guests. After leaving the ranch I lost touch with Wayne. I had heard from Steve Huck that he moved to Atlantic City. I will always remember him as a gentle soul with a heart of gold, quick wit, and his 5:30 pm ritual of Blended Scotch Whisky on the rocks. “Dr. Scorsby by Brand. I regret not being able to locate him till after his death in 2021. Oh, the stories he could tell when the Dr. was in the house.
BY Gordon Pulaski
Obituary for Wayne Thomas Trukowski
Wayne Thomas Trukowski, 78, of Atlantic City passed away on November 12, 2021, at Cooper Medical Center, Camden, NJ. Wayne attended Alamosa State College in Colorado and obtained his teaching degree. He taught for many years in elementary school in Colorado before being drafted into the military.
Wayne was drafted in the U.S. Army infantry and after basic training, was assigned to the Navy Mobile Rivereen Fleet in Vietnam as a point man.
During his tour, Wayne participated in 87 Arial flights into hot landing zones, mostly under enemy fire, and over 50 missions by Tang boats. Within four months, Wayne was promoted to Sergeant. He was presented with three Air Medals, The Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Medals, The Bronze Star, The Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He also received two Purple Hearts for injuries sustained during military operations against a hostile force.
He is survived by his brother, Stanley Trukowski, Jr.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 19 at 10 am at Our Lady Star of the Sea RC Church in Atlantic City. Burial will immediately follow at the Atlantic County Veterans Cemetery, Estell Manor, NJ.
Arrangements are entrusted to Wimberg Funeral Home in Galloway at 609-641-0001. Condolences may be left for the family
