In Memory of Timothy J. Trainor

Obituary

It is with profound sadness that we share that Timothy J. Trainor of New Hartford, NY passed away unexpectedly on May 17, 2025 at his favorite place in the world: his camp in Old Forge.

Born in Lowville, NY on February 9, 1960, Tim was a larger-than-life visionary. From his early years, his passion for reading and writing fueled his vivid imagination, creativity, and inventiveness. This set him on the path to becoming a distinguished entrepreneur and creative, founding Trainor Associates in 1985.

Soon, Tim was wildly successful in Upstate New York and throughout the Northeast, creating groundbreaking campaigns across a diverse range of industries, including banking and automotive for brands such as Oldsmobile and Chevrolet.

In 1990, Tim purchased an estate and former horse farm on Oxford Road in New Hartford, converting it into a state-of-the-art office to accommodate his growing client list and team. During the holiday season, families look forward to the signature enormous wreath adorned in red bows, affixed to the property’s carriage house and twinkling with Tim’s whimsy.

He was a kind and compassionate leader for over four decades, and a vibrant pillar of the communities of New Hartford, Old Forge, and Central New York. He served on many local and regional boards and often donated marketing and advertising services out of the goodness of his heart. He was a member of the Yahnundasis and Fort Schuyler Club.

As the President and CEO of Trainor Associates, Tim worked diligently to bring local and national brands to life. A pioneer in marketing and advertising, he was at the forefront of the digital revolution in his industry and in the many industries he touched.

He took pride in strategizing with and developing brands that operated on a national and international level, from New York City to Silicon Valley, and overseas to Copenhagen, Paris, Asia, and other continental hubs. He enjoyed teaching employees about the business and leading them to success.

He married the love of his life, Maria, in 1980, and together they raised four children. An honorable and unconditionally loving man, he always put his kids first, often driving directly to ball games and hockey rinks from business meetings cities away.

He was a proud Boston College Eagles fan, visiting all four of his kids there for Parents Weekends and football games, participating on parent panels for incoming students, and enjoying the camaraderie on the beautiful New England campus.

For years, the family had many cherished memories vacationing in Lake George, NY, and in 1994 made a second home in the Adirondacks, on First Lake in Old Forge. From a young age, Tim envisioned owning a camp, and the camp he and Maria created continues to be the setting of countless joyful memories for their family.

The title he was most proud of having was that of “Papa” to 10 beloved grandchildren (and one on the way) who all revered him. He owned this role with his entire being, and lived for spending time with his grandchildren, reading to them, picking them up from school, bringing them for ice cream, teaching them how to water ski, and taking them on boat rides on the lakes surrounding camp. He traveled to watch their hockey games and attend recitals and concerts in neighboring states at the drop of a hat.

His booming, exuberant voice and positive outlook on life often brightened the day of everyone he met. He was known to frequently quip the “glass is half full” among the many pieces of advice he bestowed upon his children, employees, and colleagues. He also loved listening to the stories of everyone he met, and enjoyed learning about people from all different backgrounds.

He is survived by his wife Maria; children Katherine and John Cotter of Scituate, MA, Jonathan and Natalia Trainor of Orange, CT, Kyle and Amy Trainor of New York, NY, and Tessa and Nathan Richman of Scituate, MA; 10 grandchildren: Jack, Logan, and Finn Cotter, Christian, Marianna, and Matteo Trainor, and Joseph, Rosie, Tate, and Eliza Richman; his siblings Sharon (William) Smith, Lynn Trainor, Mary Valle, and Lance (Diane) Trainor; and many beloved friends and colleagues. He was predeceased by his parents, Katherine and Alexander Trainor, and his mother-in-law, Congetta DiMare.

Tim loved hard and lived his philosophy, “Enjoy the journey.”

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 22, 4 pm to 7 pm at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services in New Hartford. Please join the family at a celebration of Tim’s life on Friday, May 23 at St. John the Evangelist Church at 10:30 am. The family would like to thank the Old Forge Volunteer Ambulance Corp. for all of their assistance.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Timothy J. Trainor to the Old Forge Volunteer Ambulance Corp. at 2946 NY-28, P.O. Box 887, Old Forge, NY 13420.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.