A long time ago we have met eachother in Fort Laudedale to celebrate new years eve. I am a friend of Jim Trefz, living in Amsterdam. My name is Peter Vanca. I want to say my condoleance to Eva and Jim. Stay strong Christian was a great and wonderful man. Take care peter
Vanca.interiordesign@planet.nl
I recently learned of the passing of my former colleague, Chris Trefz. Having worked with both Chris and his brother Ernie during my years at McDonald’s Corporation, I came to admire the unique bond they shared. Ernie was all business, while Chris brought warmth, humor, and an approachable spirit. Together, they built a legacy of leadership and balance.
After leaving McDonald’s, I had the privilege of working for Trefz Corporation for a time. My memories of Chris are long and fond. He had a way of making people feel valued, and his enthusiasm for life and for McDonald’s was unmistakable. He carried himself as a true ambassador, representing both the brand and his community with generosity and grace.
With Chris’s passing, we lose the last of a founding generation. His legacy of good works, community impact, and friendship will remain with all who knew him.
Very sad about Mr. Trefz passing. I wrote him a letter 40 years ago, to ask for work landscaping at one of his stores, he called me back, met him, and was rewarded for years taking care of a bunch of stores, he was very funny, tough but a great guy to work for, Ernie Too. When you think of McDonald’s , you think of Trefz. He will be missed. He had a great voice too!
My Deepest condolences to all the family. He was a wonderful person . I worked at the Hilton/Holiday inn for many years and always came in the restaurant with a smile and always had something nice to say to me and the staff . He was a diamond in the ruff with a beautiful heart ❤️.. May he rest in peace .
Denice Sherwood ( Denice Pelaggi )
I am so grateful for having known Cris Trefz.And so thankful to have enjoyed the warmth and kindness he so freely gave to everyone around him. He was compationate, humble and always the giver. Chris was a pillar of strength and a source of encouragement to me and I'm sure to everyone who knew him.
Chris, along with his beautiful wife Eva.,changed my life in the most beautiful way. His strong Spirit will forever echo in all our hearts, reminding us to cherish each moment..and to hold tight to the bonds of family and friends.
Eva my heart goes out to you and your family. No words can express how sorry I am for what you and your family are going through. But know you are loved by so many. And we are here for you always. God be with you.
I am very sorry to hear of Christopher passing. I have been the Food and Beverage Director at the Holiday Inn of Bridgeport for over twelve years and have come to know both Chris and his brother Ernie as generous and kind. It was a great pleasure to feed them lunch and dinners at the hotel and the Mill River CC when I was the chef there. Both of them will be missed. My condolences to the family.
Chris Trefz you will be greatly missed. I was the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Bridgeport Holiday Inn in Bridgeport, CT for 30 years. He and his brother saved the hotel and kept all the employees that worked at the hotel employed. They wanted the hotel to be the centerpiece of downtown Bridgeport and it was. We hosted local companies, the Barnum Festival and many of the local church events. We hosted weddings, anniversaries, business meetings, luncheons and dinners. Chris would stop in many times and would greet visiting groups warmly along with luncheon and dinner guests along with local corporations executives, and hospital personnel. He always made time to be kind to everyone. I so enjoyed being his representative at the hotel as I have made lifelong friends being there. He and his family made many of us working for him feel important and respected and for that we are most grateful. May you rest in peace and just know how much we cared. With our deepest sympathies. Lorraine Scelfo
Chris Trefz was a true gentleman and a pleasure to work with over my career with Trefz Corporation. He always had a smile and a kind remark when he visited the stores and his care and concern for the customer has stayed with me for the rest of my employment stressing the importance of making the customer happy and satisfied!
My prayers to his family and the rest of the Trefz family.
Mark Spinello (former employee from 1977-1994)
Chris was a lovely, gentle and generous man who enjoyed life to the fullest. He was the person who drew his extended family together and kept everyone connected. I will miss his smile and enthusiasm. His was a life well lived.
My heart goes out to Eva, Tara and Jim and their families.
Alice Hummel
I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work for Chris for 10 years. Always the gentleman. He got me started in boating as well. We had some great times in Monte Carlo. I will miss him dearly but cherish our memories.
Chris was a larger than life guy. Smart, sincere, encouraging, always appreciative and interested in what you were doing and what was happening in your own life. He had a great laugh and twinkle in his eye. He was a great story teller and natural leader. He loved his family!!! I will miss my visits with him but will always look back fondly on our time together.
Rest in peace.
Alison ❤️
Bob Jones Posted Feb 5, 2025 at 8:19 PM
We love Chris Trefz! What a wonderful life he lived! He was smart, funny, caring, loving and generous! He shared his bigger than life presence with all those who were fortunate enough to know him. He loved Eva, his kids and grand kids so much. Being around Chris and Eva was always so enjoyable. They were such a great and loving couple.
We will miss him so much but we are sure he will be in heaven looking down on us with that great Chris smile.
Karen and Bob Jones
Our sadness is profound, but our gratitude and love for Chris, Eva and the family overflows from the full and overflowing generosity of Chris and Eva.
I had the privilege of calling Chris my boss, friend, mentor, advisor, and mutual lover of good food and conversation. Eva, your love and care for Chris was inspiring.
Mathew considered you surrogate grand parents and enjoys his bicycle more than any gift ever.
We lift you up in our prayers for God’s grace and mercy to help you at this time of great loss.
My deepest condolences to the entire family. I had the utmost pleasure of working for Chris for 30 years. I'm so grateful to have had that opportunity. I learned so much from him and enjoyed so many conversations about work, business, family and life! He was such a wonderful human being. I will truly miss him!
Approximately 29 years ago I had the privilege to meet Chris at the highway store 7460 he was a respectful, kind and thoughtful person to all his employees my condolences to Eva Jimmy tara and the rest of the Trefz family May his soul rest in peace - Isolyn and Elizabeth ying
My heartfelt condolences to Eva, and all of Christians Trefz's Family.
I will miss Chris's always smiling face, his constant positive outlook, and most of all
His Commitment to value of Family.
He and his brother developed and committed us all to the term," TREFZ FAMILY RESTAURANTS "
I will truly miss his keeping us connected through our periodic
conversations.
Chris, you are with you brother Ernest. Will miss you.
Terry Rotas
Dear Tara, Jimmy, Ava, Winston and all
the Trefz family...
Tara, as you know, is my oldest friend, and we spent countless days at the Trefz home, probably aging you with our antics and crazy teenage girl and young 20-something behavior.
You've always been very kind and generous and loved a good party or meal, where everyone could gather. Thank you for hosting me many, many a day, in your home and on the boat....many, many fun memories!
You've led a long, beautiful and blessed life, and you will be remembered by many
for the good works you did in this world. Most of all, I know how much you loved your family and will be watching over them
from your perch in heaven. Rest in peace and enjoy your gloriously beautiful eternal home, Mr Trefz!
Lots of love,
Dorina
Im sending my condolences to the Trefz family during this very hard time. He was a very kind and caring man towards everyone in his life.
From Elizabeth R., Anthony B., Mariah B.
So sorry for your loss Eva. Chris was a kind, good gentle man in many ways. The world has lost another great soul. May you find peace in the great memories you shared and the love he had for you. God bless you and your family.
My condolences , so sorry for the loss, Jimmy , Eva and everyone in the family. I will always remember Mr Trefz, my good friend for the last 28 years . RIP.
