Joseph S. Trapani, MD

Dr. Joseph Samuel Trapani, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at his home on Sunday, August 25th, 2024 at the age of 81. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Natia Cascio Trapani, his son, Jason Christopher Trapani, and grandchildren, Eleanor and Evan. Preceding him in death was his eldest son, Joseph Samuel Trapani, who predeceased two daughters. Victoria and Gabrielle; and his parents, Samuel Thomas Trapani and Emelda Cefalu Trapani.

A proud native of New Orleans, Dr. Trapani graduated from Jesuit High School. He received a Bachelor of Science as well as a Doctor of Medicine from Tulane University and was member of Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha honor societies. Following an internship in internal medicine at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in 1969, he was drafted by the U.S. Coast Guard and served at the U.S. Public Health Hospital in Norfolk, VA. One year later, he was deployed to Vietnam as a Lieutenant Commander aboard USS Yakutat. Upon returning to New Orleans in 1971, he completed his residency at Ochsner Hospital and received board certification in both Clinical and Anatomic Pathology. Dr. Trapani was employed by Ochsner Hospital and then East Jefferson Hospital for over 35 years, serving as Chief of Pathology for part of his tenure. He also served as an adjunct lecturer at Tulane Medical School, where he truly enjoyed teaching.

An avid teacher at heart, Dr. Joe was always eager to share medical knowledge to help friends and family, and especially his love of academia, music, chess, and baseball with his sons and grandchildren. He enjoyed travels with his family to Italy, New York City and Destin, FL, and most recently, spending happy summers in Charlotte, NC with Jason, Eleanor, and Evan. The most kind and giving person, Dr. Joe always put the needs of others before his own. Pops will be deeply missed.

We are deeply grateful to the EMS workers, E.R. personnel at East Jefferson Hospital, and family members, Keith and Melisa Lee, who attended to him at the time of his passing.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation and funeral services to be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. Visitation will start at 11:00am, followed by a Mass at 12pm. Celebrant is Father Andrew Rudmann of St. Philip Neri with Father Harry Bugler as concelebrant. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Joe to St. Philip Neri Catholic Church of Kenner LA or a charitable organization of your choice.