Sage Strezeski likened his late father’s generous nature and unconditional love to that described in the popular children’s book, “The Giving Tree.”

Troy Strezeski — one of the two co-owners of Troy-Alan car dealerships — was always ready to meet the evolving needs of his family, friends and community. Troy Strezeski, 63, of Butler, died May 12.

For instance, in March 2002, after a number of Slippery Rock Area School District students died in a series of car-related incidents, Troy Strezeski donated a vehicle to the district to restart its high school’s behind-the-wheel driver training program and offered a discount to students who completed the training.

Amid the holiday season, Troy Strezeski showed up for those around him. Sage Strezeski said his father bought a plethora of gift cards every December.

“He would buy hundreds of dollars in extra generic gift cards, like Starbucks or Visa, and if he saw anyone at any sort of Christmas party or gathering that didn’t get a gift, he would make sure they got a gift card,” he said.

Sage Strezeksi went on to say his father was always naturally upbeat and a talented problem-solver. He will be handling the day-to-day management of the Troy-Alan Chevrolet dealership in Slippery Rock.

“I am excited to continue his legacy in the automotive world and be able to portray the positive energy and positive impact he gave and had on people,” he said.

Troy Strezeski was also a right-hand man for his father, F. Alan Strezeski. Even when he was a child, he was always there to help, and had no problem doing the work alongside his father. The generosity combined with his work ethic made Troy Strezeski remarkable.

“He always went above and beyond. What can I say as a father, he was a good, good kid, he filled me and my wife’s heart to no end,” Alan Strezeski said.

Troy Strezeski, alongside his father, purchased a car dealership in Slippery Rock in 1993. Then, in 1997, they opened a second car dealership in Kittanning. The duo was recognized several times by General Motors as Dealer of the Year.

Taking on the car dealership business, Alan Strezeski said there was no better business partner he could have had than his son. Troy Strezeski, he said, was always willing to help out, whether it included the car sales or cleaning the car grills.

“When it comes down to legacy, if I hadn’t had Troy by my side I wonder if we would have made it through everything,” Alan Strezeski said. “Troy was always near me, he was always very cherished.”

Another member of the next generation at Troy-Alan, R.J. Sepich, who is Troy Strezeski’s nephew and works at the Kittanning location, remembered his uncle as a fun-loving, quick-witted and fiercely dedicated man.

“Troy was someone who made other people’s dreams come true,” said Sepich, noting the time and energy he put into helping his father become a successful business owner with have multiple car dealerships. “A lot of time and effort went into that.”

He likened Troy Strezeski to a golf tee.

“He was always there and always held us up, and he always wanted to lift us up a little bit higher,” Sepich said.

Patty Strezeski said her husband was a good businessman who always tried to offer the best deals he could.

“He always wanted the best for the customer,” she said. “He wanted to be able to sleep at night. He and his dad started the business, and now his son and nieces and nephews all work there. That’s the difference between (Troy-Alan) and other family businesses.”

Dave Spinneweber, the owner of Spinneweber Auto Sales, remembered the moment he first met Troy Strezeski 33 years ago.

“I met Troy in a convenience store in Meridian,” Spinneweber said. “He was driving an import car, and I joked that he should sell it. That’s when he told me who he was. I drove to the Slippery Rock dealership and bought it right after that.”

The interaction started long-term cooperation between the two, and they remained close friends. Spinneweber introduced him to a friend’s sister — his future wife.

Spinneweber said once you bought a car from Troy-Alan, you were a customer and a priority of his from then on. That mindset is what he contributes to Troy Strezeski’s ability to get repeat customers and people willing to travel out of their way to buy from him.

“He was always sympathetic, and he would always listen when customers needed to yell,” he said. “He believed that the customer is always right.”

Patty Strezeski, who was married to Troy Strezeski for about 15 years, said she’s convinced they were soulmates. She said every day, he would ask her the same question: “Did I tell you ‘I love you’ today?”

“My best memories were just from spending time with him,” she said. “He could make something as simple as watching TV together special. He made every day special.”

She said he was also a huge entertainer who loved doing Elvis Presley impressions and moonwalking to Michael Jackson songs. She recalled a time at their son’s wedding when, during their dance routine, he jumped over her.

“He just did everything big and bright,” she said.

Troy Strezeski’s love went beyond his family and extended to his friends and colleagues.

Ron Henry went to school with Troy Strezeski, but he said their friendship really kicked off due to their shared love for bowling.

“We went on bowling trips together, to the United States Bowling Congress and state tournaments,” Henry said. “What he did for Butler’s bowling community was unfathomable. I was also with him when he bowled a few of his 300s.”

While their friendship was primarily rooted in their shared love of the sport, his friend would also take him golfing. While Henry said he wasn’t the best at it, his friend was always willing to teach new people.

Ultimately, Henry said he remembers Troy Strezeski as his best friend and one of the most generous people he’s ever met.

Henry recalled a recent memory about turning 60 in Las Vegas when his friend surprised him for his birthday.

“I’m in the hotel lobby checking in, and I turned around and he was right behind me,” Henry said. “He flew out to Vegas without telling me to be with me for my birthday.”

Outside of running the Slippery Rock dealership, Troy Strezeski was an avid fan of sports, from local youth to professional leagues. He also personally enjoyed golfing and bowling, the latter of which he achieved perfect games in.

Ultimately, his family, friends and colleagues all remembered him for his dedication to his work, positive demeanor and generosity toward everyone.

“I don’t think he gave anyone any static, He was always well thought of by the public. He was a great kid, and I’ll miss him. He broke my heart,” Alan Strezeski said.

According to Troy Strezeski’s obituary, memorial donations in his name should be sent to Breakthrough T1D or the Blind Association of Butler and Armstrong.

Eagle staff writer Zach Zimmerman contributed to this report.