David Buck Truslow died peacefully on March 13, 2025, at 88 years old. He was a beloved resident of Beverly, MA, and most recently Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA. David was a dedicated member of the Manchester Yacht Club (MYC), where he once served as the Commodore, and a proud fifty-year Cruising Club of America member. His passion for the sea led him on countless adventures, including cruising the New England coast—especially Down East—with family and close friends, as well as sailing in Canada, the Caribbean, Scotland, Ireland, and Spain. He competed in numerous races along the Eastern Seaboard, including multiple Newport to Bermuda Races.
David graduated from Boston University in 1960 and began his career in textiles before discovering his true calling as a mental health counselor in the 1970s. He played a pivotal role in the founding of Associated Family Counselors, where he supported North Shore families for many years. Later in his career, he transitioned into management consulting, working closely with independent day schools.
He was predeceased by his high school sweetheart and wife of 50 years, Jo-Anne (Bagley), as well as his parents, James L. Truslow III and Anna Leigh Truslow (Kendall), and his brothers, Frank F. Truslow, James L. Truslow IV, and Godfrey G. Truslow. His three children survive him: Christopher Truslow and his wife, Sandy, of Standish, Me.; Leigh Scharfe and her husband, Alan, of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Ma.; and Jessica Truslow and her husband, Art Trapotsis, of Arlington, MA. He also leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren—Christopher Hutchinson, Alex Truslow and his wife, Kira, Rebekah Scharfe, Henry Scharfe, Nina Truslow, Nicholas Trapotsis, and Alexi Trapotsis—as well as two great-grandchildren, Delta Hutchinson and Anson Truslow. Additionally, David is fondly remembered by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
A devoted dog lover, David had many canine companions throughout his life, particularly favoring the small, mischievous ones. He and Jo-Anne also shared a deep love for travel, exploring much of Europe, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos with their closest friends.
A celebration of David’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his memory to the Manchester Sailing Association, P.O. Box 172, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944, or Cape Ann Animal Aid, 4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930.
