Joseph John Trinko "Joe"

Dateline: Southern Pines

Joseph John Trinko, ‟Joe”, 53, passed away Tuesday May 5, 2020 in Duke University Medical Center.

Joe was born in Milwaukee, WI on November 15, 1966, son to Diane Machesky Trinko and the late John Arthur Trinko. Along with his father he is preceded in death by a brother, Andrew Clifford Trinko.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sharyn Trinko; children, Stevie and Bella Trinko; his mother, Diane Trinko-Johnson; siblings, Kenneth John Trinko and wife Wendy, Patty Diane Trinko Linteur and husband Jacob, John Henry Trinko and wife Kelsey and Paul Anton Trinko and many extended family members.

Joe served in the US Army, Golden Knights until his retirement.

A memorial service will be held 10:00 A.M. Friday May 8, 2020 at PK Airport, 143 Airport Dr. Raeford, NC 28376.

Joe Trinko spent five years on the United States Army Parachute Team, the “Golden Knights,” from early 1991 through 1995. Without Joe’s help, no doubt the competition Formation Skydiving Team would not have enjoyed the winning record that has allowed the Golden Knights to carry the title as World Champions. Highlights of his contributions include:

National Champion four years (1992 through 1995) in 8-person formation skydiving (known as “8-way”).
World Champion in 8-way in 1993 and 1995.
National Champion in 16-way in ‘92, ‘93, and ‘95.
Silver Medalist at the World Cup in ‘92 and ‘94.
National Champion in 10-way in ‘92 and ‘95.

When the team competes at a world championship, it is competing not just for the Army but for the United States; team members wear red, white, and blue jumpsuits and parachutes. Much is on the line. For the Golden Knights, one of the most significant achievements was winning the World Championship Formation Skydiving in Gap, France in 1995. The competition Formation Skydiving Team had been defeated just the year before by a huge margin; we were expected to lose the World Meet. But with Joe’s contributions, we were able to make a huge comeback win, bringing back to the U.S. soil the ‘Ottley Sword’ and the title as World Champions.

Joe’s contributions will not be forgotten. He was a great teammate, competitor, and friend.