Lawrence “Larry” Trapani, 79, left this world peacefully on December 16, 2025, surrounded by family at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

Larry was born on September 23, 1946 on the south side of Chicago; the son of Joseph and Florence Trapani. He graduated from Tilden Technical High School in Chicago in 1964. In September 1965, he entered the United States Army and served overseas in Germany as a Military Policeman/Desk Sargeant for 18 months; honorably discharged in September 1967.

Larry married Darlene [Munto] on February 14, 1970. As a loving husband to Darlene, Larry was a pillar of strength and support for his family. Together, they raised three children: Anthony, Dean and Lawrence, Jr.

Larry started his career at the Illinois Department of Transportation [IDOT] in 1969 and retired from the same in 2002. In 1991, he became the president of the IDOT bowling league and held that position for four years.

Larry had many enthusiasms in life, including his love of the Chicago Cubs, Blackhawks and Bears, which he enjoyed cheering for with his wife, children and grandchildren. He was a member of many organizations but shared a particular passion for veteran affairs. He was a member of the Italian American War Veterans [IAWV] – elected Commander 2010 – 15 and elected as State Commander, Department of Illinois Italian American War Veterans; member of American Legion Post 32; member of the Interveterans Council of Sangamon County [Commander 2012 -15]; and elected Veteran of the Month by the State of Illinois in December 2013. Larry was also a member of VFW Post 9399 in Apache Junction, Arizona.

Larry was a devoted father as evidenced by his service as President of the organization where his children played baseball, Midway Baseball Association in Chicago, Illinois, and served in that capacity from 1984 to 1989. Larry also enjoyed serving as a member of the Roman Cultural Society, where he was named Man of the Year [2010] and elected President in 2012. He was also a member of Elks Lodge 158 in Springfield, Illinois [2012 – 2017], then transferred his membership to Elks Lodge 2656 in Mesa, Arizona in 2017. Larry was also a member of East Mesa Arizona Moose Lodge 2082 since 2020.

Larry is preceded in death by his father [Joseph]; mother [Florence] and brother [Joseph] and is survived by his loving wife, Darlene; his children - Tony [Stephanie], Dino [Kimberly], and Larry, Jr. [Jennifer]; and four grandchildren - Dominick, Dominic, Matthew and Adleigh. He is also survived by his sister, Laura, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends who will miss him dearly.

A private funeral service was held for Larry’s family on December 19, 2025 at Park Funeral Homes, Inc. in Rochester, Illinois.

Rest in peace, Pop. Your memory and legacy will live on in our hearts forever.