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Louis G. "Lou" Trapani
Louis G. "Lou" Trapani
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Louis Trapani Obituary
Lou graduated from Northport High School in 1965 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Literature at Hofstra University in 1969. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Public Administration from the City College of New York. Lou had three lifelong passions: theater, people, and politics. His work as Executive and Artistic Director of The Center for the Performing Arts at Rhinebeck reflected his commitment to community theater and education programming in the arts. Lou was skilled in recognizing people's talents and needs and helped many to flourish. He proudly worked for David Dinkins, former Mayor of New York City, and Mario Cuomo during his third term as Governor of New York. Lou took pride in his efforts as Executive Director of Volunteer Service and Chief of Staff of the New York State Commission National and Community Service.
He is survived by his life partner, Emily DePew of Tivoli, NY; his sister, Catherine, of Atlanta, GA; and numerous cousins and friends whom he profoundly impacted and who will miss him dearly. Lou was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Bernice Trapani (nee Blind) of Roxbury, New York.
Dapson Chestney Funeral Home of Rhinebeck welcomed him into their care for cremation services. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Center for the Performing Arts at Rhinebeck on Saturday, September 14. Instead of flowers, contributions honoring his lifelong support of the arts and arts education may be made to The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck or its Education Program. Lou's legacy will continue inspiring and impacting the community he loved.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
John Guerrasio
July 17, 2025
Funny, I was working in my garden yesterday and Lou came into my mind. I smiled as I remembered so many things about him. I've reread what I wrote a year ago and can't think of anything to add except to double down on the fact that he was a major influence on me and I still think of him.
John Guerrasio
October 3, 2024
I met in Lou in 1970 at the Roundabout Theater when it was in a cockroach infested, supermarket basement on W. 26th street, We were in an all-male Hamlet and Lou was the best Ophelia I have ever seen. I learned so much from Lou especially about how to play classic comedy. He was a brilliant Tony Lumpkin and Launcelot Gobbo. We shared a Brooklyn apartment for a while with his Irish setter Morgan. Lou was a one off. He visited me in London in about 2007 and we had great day walking around the city and sharing memories. I am shocked and saddened by his death and will remember him always. He was a major influence on me as an actor and director.
Denise Jordan Finley
August 7, 2024
I first became acquainted with Lou as the stoic artistic Director of the center for performing arts, (sitting at his desk, upstairs, usually in silence,) whenever I came in to discuss any sort of business. I worked as an actor, technical crew, and music Director at the Center since the time of its building. He gave me the opportunity to produce a concert of my own musical compositions at the center as well.
He was always fair. He was a straight shooter. He was kind and firm as a director. As an actor, he was utterly hilarious.
He directed me in the 2003 CPA production of "Mame," myself in the leading role... The play had, in someways, been edited in that the musical interludes between scenes had been shortened or eliminated. In my utter frustration, during an unmanageable complete costume change one rehearsal, very close to production, in response to Lou calling, "Mame, where are you?" I simply walked out onto the stage, wearing my full length flesh color bodysuit. Without leaving his chair, Lou simply asked, "what are you wearing?"
I last saw him as the enthralling instructor of an intensive class he taught on the work of Tennessee Williams. His honest assessment was to tell me that I needed work as a dramatic actress, but in that same class, he praised me to the other students for my skill in musical comedy.
His influence on me was tremendous, and I will be forever grateful for the impact he made on my life as a performer and student of theater.
Gino Scandur
August 2, 2024
Working with Lou at Hofstra with our career dreams and acting experiences was a joy. He was a super talent then and always. Luf ya. Gene Scandur
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Deidre Sepp
July 24, 2024
We were sitting in the theater at the Center, talking about The Fantastiks, when he mentioned that he´d always wanted to direct the show with two mothers instead of two fathers.
Me: Oh, I´d LOVE to do that!
Lou: Would you?"
The rest is history!
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