Giovanni Trapani, although of ancient Sicilian extraction, was born in Venice, Italy on August 23, 1929, of Calabrian parents, Dominic and Dominica Casciano Trapani. Having moved to Rome during his early youth, he frequented the local schools there, finally graduating from Rome University with a degree in Jurisprudence in 1951, and for a while, practiced law there. He soon, however, entered public life by becoming the Secretary of the Comitato Nazionale per le Ricerche Scientifiche or the National Committee for Scientific Research. Migrating to the United States at the end of the 1950's, just about the time when John F. Kennedy's presidency seemed to give entry to an era of hope and progess for a world that had just recuperated from the destructiveness of World War II, he studied Anglo-American jurisprudence at St. John's University in New York and again graduated with a Juris Doctor's degree from the University. He began his legal career in this country, first as a legal archivist and later as a prosecuting attorney, in 1965, with the City of Pasadena, California. For a prosecutor, nothing is greater than hearing those whom he successfully prosecuted thanking him for his commitment and fairness in prosecution. Soon, however, he realized that his true calling was that of defending the underprivileged and those who were victims of social as well as legal injustice, and, thus, began his decades-long commitment and practice, which continued to this day, being directed toward helping the least fortunate. Although his legal commitment continues unabated, he redirected some of his time to the teaching of law at Pepperdine University, where among the numerous subjects taught by him were on civil procedure, consumer's rights, international law, domestic relations, etc. Thirteen years of formal teaching prepared him well for his continuing and on-going civil practice, which oftentimes, was used to assist and provide legal counsel to numerous Italian-American organizations, including the Sons of Italy, the Italian Catholic Federation, Club Italia, Kiwanis, Italian Veterans of War, as well as COM.IT.ES with which he continued to serve as counselor until his death. A soccor referee of long standing, both in Italy as well as here, he has been associated for many years with the American Youth Soccor Organization. In 1957, Giovanni married Marie Ferro, an Italian-American from New York, and together, they were the proud parents of seven children and grandparents of two. On the afternoon of Friday, July 6, 2001, John went home to be with is Lord and Savior. Surviving him are his beloved wife, Marie; his children, Nadine, John Dominic, Cynthia, Denise, Stephen and George; George's wife Anna Marie; grandchildren, Jeremy and Stuart; Sister, Mirella Hornbuckle; and brothers, Cesare and Giorgio Trapani. He was preceeded in death by his daughter, Judith; his infant granddaughter, Anastasia; his parents, Dominico and Dominica; and his niece, Dominique. On July 1, 2001, the Sicilia Culturale Society, Inc. of Los Angeles, California, honored Giovanni "John" Trapani for his dedicated, continuing commitment and contributions toward the Italian-American community and the enhancement of Sicilian traditions, culture and heritage, by conferring on him, the "Grand Sicilia Award". Although he was too ill to attend the ceremony, his family was there to represent him and to share in the proud moment. "Appulus et Calaber Siculus mihi Servit et Afer" was King Roger II's motto, which Giovanni Trapani adopted as his own. He never forgot his past Sicilian ancestory or identity, and was proud of his heritage. John left a legacy of honor, dedication and commitment that will linger in the hearts and minds of all who knew him. His special compassion toward his fellow man made the world better for his having been a part of it. He will truly be missed. Wed., Jul. 11, 2001 at 12:05:33
Mr. Trapani was my neighbor in Alhambra for over 20 years. I respected him very much. I thought he would always be around. I will miss Mr. "T." I was blessed with the opportunity to have Mr. Trapani teach me to speak Italian. He was a wonderful friend and advisor to me. I also enjoyed soccer games and dinners in his company. John once told me "Cerca di pensare in Italiano" or "Ponder you thoughts in Italian" Professore Trapani, I still think in Italian. God Bless you always.
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