Justin Evan Trapani

Justin Evan Trapani, 44, died in Austin, Texas on December 28, 2025. Justin was born on August 28, 1981, the son of Tim and Janet Trapani and third of three sons. He grew up on Long Island, NY and studied cinema and writing at Penn State University. During school holidays, he took a job with a catering company, where his passion for cooking began.

After college, Justin moved to Austin, Texas, but returned to NY when a chance arrived to work at the Michelin-starred Spotted Pig restaurant in Greenwich Village. After working at the Spotted Pig and in food service at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Justin moved back to Austin in 2011. In Austin, he worked at a variety of restaurants and hotels, earning his status as chef. Justin loved cooking, discussing the restaurant business, and answering recipe or technique questions. He became knowledgeable about commercial kitchen design and had the opportunity to renovate a kitchen in an Austin restaurant.

Beyond cooking, Justin was well and deeply read, with David Foster Wallace and J.D. Salinger two of his favorite authors. As a younger man, he painted and drew, performed in plays, and sang in an a capella group at Penn State. He loved to discuss and argue — be it about food, literature, or just about anything else. Though his humor could be sarcastic and caustic, and he suffered no fools, Justin was also an incredibly generous person. In the kitchen, he became a mentor to many, and he developed deep friendships wherever he went.

He will be remembered for his generosity, humor, and passion for cooking. Details about a memorial will appear here once finalized.