Robert Trapani

On behalf of the ministers and churches of the Ohio District, I offer our deepest sympathy to Sister Hilda Trapani and her family for the loss of Brother Robert Trapani.  Not only did you lose a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and pastor, we all lost a powerful voice for truth and an advocate for the strength and stability of Spirit-filled families in our Apostolic fellowship.  We were honored that Brother Trapani chose to make Ohio his home district, and appreciated his loyalty to us in the same measure that we loved him. 

Robert Trapani’s ministry, however, extended far beyond Ohio.  His wise counsel, his anointed teaching and his authentic Christianity were sought by thousands of people across the country and in many foreign lands as well.  Through his insightful marriage seminars he helped to heal troubled marriages that would not have otherwise survived.  Ministers who struggled with burnout and feelings of inadequacy had their ministries restored and revitalized by Brother Trapani’s wisdom.  Much of his ability to empathize with others grew out of his own personal tragedies.  We will all miss his reassuring and affirming kindness that always seemed to emanate from his spirit.  He respected everyone, even those with whom he differed, and was gifted with the ability to speak the right word at the right time in every situation.

I will personally miss the long and scintillating conversations that I had with Brother Trapani every summer at Buckeye Lake.  Hours after others left, we lingered over coffee and diet Coke, while he shared his perceptive views gained through his wide travels and reading.  He not only knew what was happening, he knew why it was happening and where it was going.  Yet, despite his intellectual prowess, he was content with the simple things of life.  He lived unpretentiously and made himself available and accessible to anyone who needed his help.

It would not be an overstatement to say that Robert Trapani was a man who gave himself away, both literally and figuratively.  Our undying gratitude goes out today to his family who shared him with the world.  You allowed him to fulfill his God-given ministry and your sacrifice has made all of us better, stronger and spiritually richer than we would have ever been.  Thank you Sister Hilda, Jeff, Tony, Julie and Andrea, and all the grandchildren.  And now, Nathan and David have a lot of catching up to do.  It’s been a long time.

Our prayers are with you all.  We love you, and we loved Robert Trapani.

Comments

[Sabrina Wilson]

Thank you so much for speaking the truth in love about a man who was a true friend & communicator to all & the Wilson family - whom I was blessed to marry into 33 yrs ago! Your words have shared our hearts as well! Thank you for speaking/writing it! Hearts will be full for lifetimes of gratitude having Bro & Sis Trapani pass through our lives at all! We are abundantly loved & blessed to know him. Much love extending to Ohio district & beyond is an understatement of his ministry as well.