Nelson E. Trate

His name was Nelson Earl Trate, but you probably knew him by “Bud”, “Popeye”, or “Pop”.  He always said “when your numbers  up, it’s up”.  On Monday July 26, 2021 at 86 years old, Pop’s number came up. Bud left this earth to be reunited with his predeceased wife, Elsie Selig Trate who passed away in 2010. He missed her dearly these past eleven years and often said that he was ready to go be with mom.

Nelson was born on January 13, 1935, in Temple, the son of the late George M and Mary E (Keller) Trate.

Prior to his retirement, Popeye worked for many of the local mushroom growers. He retired from Campbell Soup Company in 1997. He was also a member of the RSCA and worked for many years as the 3rd turn track official at the Reading Fairgrounds, until it’s last race in 1979. He loved racing, watching the Phillies, doing word search books, playing solitaire, doing yard work, and going to yard sales. He could never turn down a bargain, even if it was something he didn’t need, or would never use. He loved all animals. In his later years, as he struggled with dementia, he would spend his days outside watching and feeding the animals. He had many bird feeders and enjoyed feeding and watching all the birds they would attract. He would go through 20 pounds of birdseed in a week because he couldn’t remember he had just fed them, and would do it over and over again. He had the fattest birds in Temple, and we kept buying him birdseed, because it made him happy.

Most importantly, Pop was always there for his family. He spent many happy hours watching his grandkid’s sporting events, teaching them basic life skills, and supporting them in any way he could. He was also able to spend precious time in his later years with his great granddaughter Mia, who always made him smile.

Nelson is survived by his daughter Sharon Trate, and his son-in-law Tim, and by his son Scott Trate, all of Temple. He is also survived by his sister Viola Weidner.

Pop is survived by six grandchildren,

Jason Trate (who was more like a second son to him) and his wife Lyssa, Chuck, Brandon, Tara, Jared, and Christina. There are four great granddaughters, Mia Trate, Lexi, Ellie, and Rowyn, as well as several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his neighbors, Mike and Karen, who were always there for him and were like family.

He was predeceased by his wife Elsie, brother Herman Trate, brother-in-law Charles Troxel, and sisters Pearl Troxel, and Jeanette Waid, and many, many beloved pets.

Special thank you to the staff of “Caring Hospice”, especially Andrew, you are the best.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

In Pop’s memory, please watch a Phillies game, watch a race, feed or pet an animal, buy something useless at a yard sale, hug your kids, grandkids or great grandkids, smile, and think of him. He enjoyed the simple things in life. The little things that most might take for granted.

He was loved and he will be missed by all who knew him.

When your body is gone, we will remember your heart. We love you Pop.

The Milkins Trymbiski Funeral Home in Temple is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.