Vincent J. Trapane

WWII veteran, loved music, astronomy

Vincent J. Trapane returned to his heavenly Father on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2005, at 4:36 a.m. amidst the stars
and planets in the presence of his children who were “camping out” at his home singing songs of praise and family
favorites as their gift of love and farewell.

An active member of St. Joseph Church, he held his fervent faith that never wavered and could be heard
telling people they must learn to forgive as our Lord forgives us. In his early years, he worked for Heller’s Gas and was the janitor, maintenance man and groundskeeper for his church and its school and properties for over 25 years. He also worked for Berwick
Forge and part time at the Presbyterian Church.

He was a popular soloist singer around the area for various functions. He was a member of the mini and adult choir at his
church for over 50 years. For more than 35 years, he sang John’s Gospel in Gregorian Chant at Good Friday services along with
his brother, Ross, and Alex Jordan, and also lighted the new fire.

When visiting at the homestead on Monroe Street, you would see evidence of his expertise in astronomy with the permanent
tripod in the yard to hold many self-made telescopes. He shared his knowledge at schools and clubs. In the early 70s, he and
friend, Tom Fink, had a local astronomy club. His oversized garden boasted prize cuccuzzis, Swiss chard and even peanuts. His
love for God’s creations was always evident.

Vince like to dance, roller skate, play bocce and fish. He was fiercely patriotic, participating in many parades and had been
soloist for City Hall’s celebrations. In World War II, he served in the Army as a Corporal in the Pacific Theatre in an anti-aircraft battery. Vince would entertain anywhere with one of his trusty harmonicas, corny jokes, spoonerisms or guitar strumming. In the
past 30 years, he donated over 35 gallons of blood. He took pride in being an organ donor in light of two grandsons who received
heart transplants.

His children and grandchildren were proud to include him in functions and friendships. He recently returned from a trip to
California with his daughter where he enjoyed his love of trains by riding the skunk train through the Redwoods. He was planning
to construct a permanent lighthouse at Evansville Lake.

Surviving are his children: son, Mark and his wife, Jill (Sakevicius) of Berwick; their daughters: Michaelina and Tracey;
Mark’s sons: Ben; Mark, and Josh Trapane; daughter, Margie, and husband, Kevin Brouse, of Danville; her children: Jeff and
Jeremy Breisch and wives, Amy and Heather; great-grandson, Zack, and two expected great-grandchildren; daughter, Suzanne,
and her companion, Glen Davis; her children: Amanda; Erica; and Jerry of Augusta, Ga.; son, Santino, of Nescopeck; son, Christian,
and wife, Juli (Yacavone) of Berwick; their children: Alec and Jonah; daughter, Holly Joy, and husband, Gary Burda, of
Berwick; their children: Ashley and Ronnie; Brandon Keck, son of his late son, Vincie, who drowned in 1983.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, the former Helen Baron, who died in 1987. He will be missed by more than 29 nieces and nephews; 70 grandnieces and nephews; many friends and acquaintances, including his flea market buddy, Joe Massina, Mifflinville.
He was past president and secretary of Garibaldi Society; past Commander of Catholic War Veterans; member of Veterans of
Foreign Wars; former member of Danville Elks; active member of SPEBSQUA; and Greater Hazleton Area Astronomy Club.
A visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, 2005, from St. Joseph Catholic Church, Berwick. A Mass of Christian Burial
will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Church with the Rev. Dennis G. Dalessandro, his pastor, officiating. Interment
will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Berwick. Arrangements are being handled by Mayo Funeral Home, Inc., Berwick.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Holy Family School, GMC Hospice, Pancreatic Cancer Research, The
Red Cross, or The Vince Trapane Lighthouse Fund, c/o First National Bank of Berwick.