Carl Allen Truss

Carl Allen Truss transitioned from labor to reward, surrounded by his family, while hospitalized in Pittsburgh, PA on October 31, 2023. He is preceded in death by his parents, Father – Henry F Truss, Sr, Mother – Mary Lee Paige Truss, Brother – Charles D Truss, and wives - Sheila Howell Truss and Saundra Truss.

Carl is survived by his loving family: daughter – D’Anne Truss, stepdaughters – Vineesa Truss and Tonica Stringer, two (2) stepsons – Shontae White and Santee White, six (6) grandchildren, three (3) great-grandchildren, three (3) brothers – Henry (Anna Rose) Truss, Jr, Rev Richard (Bridget) Truss, Vincent (Yvonne) Truss, and four (4) sisters – Elaine J Walker, Barbara L Truss, Terry L Truss, Anita M Truss, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Carl is a 1966 graduate of McKeesport Area Senior High School (MASH) where he played the trombone in the marching band.  He became MASH’s first black drum major for the marching band. When he tossed and caught his baton, it was believed the MASH Tigers (football) were certain to win the game.  Sometimes he added a one-arm handspring to his routine, which became a real crowd-pleaser.

After graduating from high school, Carl enlisted in the US Marine Corps and served from 1966-1969.  While there, he served in Vietnam where he was injured several times and received several Purple Hearts. Once home from the war and the service, he attended Point Park College for journalism and also received an Associate of the Arts degree from the Community College of Allegheny County.

Carl’s main profession was photography and camera operations.  He was the first black cameraman for the City of Pittsburgh and most recently was employed by FOX Sports where he was the lead camera operator for the Steelers, Pirates, Penguins, University of Pittsburgh sports programs, and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.  He also worked on special projects for the City of Pittsburgh School District.  He was a well-respected professional, having made lots of friends and acquaintances within the sports world over the years. He was also an entrepreneur, filming weddings and taking photos for important events for friends and family.

Carl was also the founder and CEO of The Veterans Channel Hosted by Diane Richard, and it can be seen on YouTube, VTVN.TV and PCTV.  The channel focuses on the stories of veterans from all branches of the US Military.  He was also a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and most preciously, a member of the Vietnam Veterans, Inc., whose uniform he wore proudly and he is wearing today.

Carl was a very humble man, grounded in his faith and belief in God. He will be remembered as a loving, fun, soft-spoken but truthful, hardworking, generous, and kind individual. He was always ready and willing to help whenever help was needed. He celebrated life, and treasured family and friends and we are not surprised that he was loved by so many. 

Carl had interesting hobbies: he became a licensed pilot and flew small-engine planes and he was also an avid scuba diver – these things he somehow did when not busy with family, friends, and work!

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