James “Jay” L. Trombley II, 75, of Newport, RI, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026. Born May 31, 1950, in Pawtucket to Veneta Welsh and James Lawrence Trombley, he attended Case High School in Swansea, MA.
In 1969, Jay enlisted in the U.S. Naval Seabees and volunteered for Vietnam, serving two decorated tours as a Heavy Equipment Operator. Moved by the hardship he witnessed, he and fellow Seabees built orphanages during off-duty hours.
After his service, Jay settled in Newport in 1972, where he met his wife, Kathy O’Connor; they recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. He became a master cabinetmaker under Vaughn Bausch, contributing to Newport’s restoration revival and crafting distinctive custom furniture throughout his life. Examples of his fine mill work can be found in many homes of Newport’s 1970’s restoration revival. Later, he expanded his skills through computer studies.
Jay built a successful career at Naval Facilities Command, Naval Station Newport, rising to Facilities Manager Planner and Estimator. He helped prepare piers for Coast Guard berths and received multiple citations for excellence from Washington, DC.
He loved music, especially loud rock on Friday nights, and had a passion for classic sports cars, motorcycles, and recreational sports. In the 1990s, Jay discovered catamaran sailing, racing with Kathy and setting a 1992 record in NENSA’s Around the Island Race.
In recent years, he became a beloved “dogfather” and “treat man,” making many friends in the Broadway neighborhood and at Island Cemetery.
Jay is survived by his wife Kathleen O’Connor Trombley; his daughter, Katemarie of Warren, who was the center of his world; his cherished grandchildren, Aidanowen and Allariamarie, whom he helped raise and guide and his devoted dog, Chance; He was predeceased by his brother Patrick.
Jay was blessed with many cherished friendships throughout his life, both great and small, and he valued each of them deeply. He is survived by many cousins, especially Cathy and her husband, Tommy Blakey, who was also his best friend. He is also survived by his former sister-in-law, Patricia Finnegan; his many beloved and appreciated nephews and nieces; and two very special great-nieces. Jay dearly loved his O’Connor “I Volunteered For” family — Bill, Marie, Owen, Kevin, and his Rosie.
Jay will be remembered for his craftsmanship, service, love of family, and enduring strength and integrity.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, May 30th at 10:30 AM, at St. Joseph’s Church, corner of Broadway & Mann Ave, Newport. Burial will follow at Island Cemetery, Warner St, Newport. A celebration of life reception will follow in St. Joseph’s Church Basement Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations in James’ memory may be made to the Daily Breakfast program at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, 20 Dr Marcus Wheatland Blvd, Newport RI 02840 www.MLKCCenter.org
