Norman "Trey" Alva Armstrong, III

On July 18, 2023, Norman Alva “Trey” Armstrong, III, 22, of Reston, VA, passed away peacefully with his devoted parents at his side. Trey, the eldest of three, was born on May 15, 2001, to Norman Armstrong, Jr., and Kristen Carneal in Arlington, VA. From a smile that commenced at his eyes and concluded with his laughter, Trey owned every room he entered. Trey’s unrelenting strength, courage and bravery were matched only by his compassion for everyone around him.

In 2019, he graduated from the Lab School of Washington and went on to study business and economics at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD. Ever the planner, Trey spent years preparing for a career in medicine. At just 17 years old, he became a certified paramedic and worked at the DC Fire and Rescue Department. During his time with the Department, he received numerous accolades and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. And it was as a senior paramedic in the Pediatric Emergency Department at Georgetown University Hospital where Trey – the only paramedic who could intubate a child – saved the life of a three-year-old. Trey wore the badge proudly, knowing he was giving back to the communities that had given so much to him.

Brilliant, inquisitive, hilarious, shrewd, and undeniably charismatic, Trey was as quick to save your life as he was to poke fun at you. Trey ultimately decided he wanted to follow in his dad’s footsteps and become a lawyer. He was one semester shy of receiving his undergraduate degree at the time of his passing and had just been admitted to Penn State Dickinson School of Law. Trey was a member of the Culinary Club, Pre-Law Society, and the American Finance and the American Economic associations.

Trey was happiest and most at home on the water, whether on the Nantucket Sound or in St. Croix, VI with his family. At age 20, he earned his USCG Master 25 Ton Captain’s License and launched Armstrong Powerboat Services, LLC, training boat owners and providing water tours. Earlier this year on a cold February Friday, Trey welcomed family on his new boat, Serenity. Capt. Trey had never been more at peace on the water and at the helm.

In recent years, Trey became a self-taught chef, known for elaborate food tastings for his family and friends. He also had a love for cars, making time for a job at Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Trey leaves to cherish his memory his parents Norman Armstrong, Jr., and Kristen Carneal; siblings Adrian Armstrong and Kaitlin Armstrong; grandparents Dr. and Mrs. Norman (Geraine) Armstrong; Mr. and Mrs. George (Susan) Carneal; aunts and uncles, Ms. Kyra Armstrong and Mr. Joseph Godbee; Mr. Garry Carneal, Mr. and Mrs. Scott (Kathy) Carneal; Mr. and Mrs. Erik (Allison) Carneal; and a host of cousins, family and friends who loved him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night (Team Trey).