Remembering Jeff Trundy
Jeff Trundy, the David N. Hoadley ’51 Baseball Coach and a beloved faculty member for 27 years, passed away on December 20, 2024. Coach Trundy is remembered by members of our community for his kindness, warmth, and humor, as well as his passion for teaching and coaching — both here at Gunn and in the Cape Cod Baseball League, where he was the legendary head coach and “heartbeat” of the Falmouth Commodores for over 26 years.
A member of the faculty since 1997, Trundy taught biology and anatomy and physiology, and coached boys and girls soccer. But spring was always devoted to coaching baseball, and for so many years, Trundy did so alongside assistant coaches Richard Martin P’20 ’23 ’25, English Department Chair, and Ed Small, who taught mathematics and served as the Anne S. and Ogden D. Miller Senior Master, and Shane Gorman ’10, Assistant Dean of Students for Residential Life. From 2018-2021, Trundy was named the holder of The Noto Family Chair for Dedicated Service. For a decade, he was one of the adults who accompanied the freshman on their annual winter trip to Lake Placid, New York.
“Whether he was teaching science or coaching, he encouraged his students to be their best — to be respectful, to persevere, to be part of a team,” said Head of School Emily Raudenbush Gum. “His pre- and post-game talks were legendary, not because he dispensed tactical information, but because he helped players figure out what it meant to compete with honor and to win and lose with grace and humility. In a career that spanned almost 50 years, students and colleagues alike were drawn to his candor and his infectious laugh. He loved teaching, on and off the field, and relished being a part of a school community.”
Trundy began his Cape League tenure in 1995 as an assistant coach with the Cotuit Kettleers, and in 1999 became head coach of the Falmouth Commodores. One of the longest tenured managers in the history of the league, he was named the recipient of the Mike Curran Manager of the Year Award by his peers four times — in 2004, 2016, 2019, and 2024. On November 17, 2024, he was inducted into the Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame.
“Known throughout the league and beyond as ‘Gentlemen Jeff,’ Coach Trundy left an indelible mark on everyone he interacted with. He not only coached the young men who had the privilege of playing under his leadership but also took a personal interest in their lives, mentoring them to play with integrity,” the Falmouth Commodores said in announcing his passing.
Coach Trundy “consistently demonstrated the principles of coaching and mentorship, while providing an exceptional experience for his players. We express our deepest condolences to his family, friends, former players, and fans whose lives he touched,” the CCBL said via Instagram.
Alumni Remembrances
Rest In Peace, Mr. Trundy. Your dedication to your students and willingness to lend a helping hand will never be forgotten. Sending prayers to your friends and family.
- Arian Agadi ’21
We as a family will always cherish the guidance and coaching that Jeff instilled within our boys Jay ’08 and Jordan Bauer ’15. His leadership and genuine friendship will be dearly missed. Jeff was a true pillar of The Frederick Gunn School, where he created a culture not only to succeed on the baseball diamond, but on how to address the adversities of life. May God rest his soul. His presence will never go unnoticed.
- Dr. Jay Bauer P’08 ’15 and family
I was fortunate enough to have Coach Trundy during his first year at The Gunnery (1997/1998) and I was even more fortunate enough to have captained the baseball team that he took over. As amazing of a coach as he was, Coach was a better person. He was always smiling, always willing to listen and he was going out of his way to help you or make sure you were good. He was the ultimate coach, making sure "his" players were working together as a team; it was never about wins/loses but rather growing into a family. Coach will be missed, but never forgotten. Miss ya Skip, rest easy! Thank you Skip! - Len Raimondi ’98
It was a real privilege to call Coach Trundy an advisor, a mentor, a coach, and a friend. He was as authentic and kind and generous as they come, and I'll always cherish what he taught me about baseball, teamwork, and life. I miss him terribly, but I will never forget him. And what I wouldn't give to hear his laugh one more time. Thank you, Coach, for everything.
- JP Collins ’03