Longtime Gilroy resident, Donald James Triolo, passed away peacefully in his Hecker Pass Highway home on July 13, 2023.  He was 86 years old.  Services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, July 27, 2023 at St. Mary's Parish, 11 1st St., Gilroy, CA.  Don will be interned at St. Mary Cemetery.

Don was born in Stockton, CA on January 19, 1937, the son of Mary and John Triolo.  He attended San Jose State University and received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration.  He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.  Don served in the United States Coast Guard, was a member of the Gilroy Elk's Club and St. Mary's Parish.

Don owned and operated Triolo Equipment Company, an International Harvester dealership, with locations in Gilroy, Hollister and King City.

In 1965, Don sold the dealership when his father, John, passed away and he took over his father's company, Bell and Griffith Trucking Company.  Don ran and managed the company which later became Trans Valley Transport in Gilroy until 1995 when his two sons, Eric and John took over the business.

Don was an avid collector of antique classic cars.  He restored and exhibited them in car shows all over the western United States.  He was passionate about the city of Gilroy and loved talking about the history of the area.  He had a life-long love of dogs and never met a dog he didn't like.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in- law, Eric and Nowa Triolo; son and daughter-in-law, John and Michelle Triolo; grandchildren, Alexandra Soper, Morgan Morlang, Madison Triolo, Nicholas Triolo and great-grandson, Braxton Morlang.  Don is also survived by his niece, Mimi Riffle and nephew, Tim Tomasello.

The family would like to thank all of the wonderful and devoted employees who have worked at Trans Valley Transport for over five decades for their loyal and dedicated service.  You are family to us, and we appreciate you!

And the family would also especially like to thank Don's care givers, Nate and Papua Kafoa who took such loving care of him the past few years.  Don was embraced by their entire extended family (and dogs) and he was blessed to have such great company and companionship until the very end of his life.