We are profoundly saddened to announce the passing of David A. Troy of Wellesley and West Dennis, MA on October 7, 2025, following a brief illness. A native of Brookline, MA, David was a beloved son of William F. Troy and his wife Martha (Lally) Troy and the beloved brother of his three late siblings: William F. Troy, Jr., Pauline (Troy) Sullivan and Martha Troy.
David was an alumnus of Brookline High School (Class of 1957) and a graduate of Tufts University (Class of 1961), where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity and played both football and hockey. He was a past president of the Tufts Club.
Following college graduation, David served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963 and was a proud veteran. After his military service, David began his long career in the hotel industry. He first worked at Sonesta Hotels and Treadway Inns. For 12 years, he worked at the Sheraton Corporation, last serving as the Senior Vice President of the North American Division. He served as President of Inn America and formed both TIMA and Troy Management, which provided sales consultant services to many hotel management companies and sales training worldwide for more than 25 years. He addressed audiences in many parts of the world and was a valued mentor to his many colleagues over the years.
David was a past president of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, and a member of the HSMAI Hospitality Hall of Fame, as well as a member of the Massachusetts Lodging Association Hall of Fame. He taught at the Boston University School of Hospitality Administration for many years, as well as teaching several summers at Cornell University. He authored two editions of a textbook, Strategic Hotel/Motel Marketing and published articles in the Cornell Quarterly, Hotel/Motel Management and many other hospitality publications.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, David was more importantly a devoted husband of 59 years to his cherished wife Brenda, and a proud father to his children: his son David, and his wife Kimberly, and his daughter Melinda. He was an adoring grandfather to Chloe, Hayley and Harrison, and a treasured and supportive uncle to many nieces and nephews. To all of those he loved, David was always willing to celebrate accomplishments and offer guidance (or a well-timed witty remark). He leaves a large extended family and countless friends from his childhood in Brookline and throughout the world.
A celebration of David’s life will be planned at a later date. If you wish, donations in David’s memory may be made to Vietnam Veterans of America, to your local Animal Rescue League, or to a charity of your choice.