Rudolph Lidano DiTrapano

Rudolph Lidano DiTrapano, 89, of Charleston, West Virginia, died October 25, 2017, in Charleston, West Virginia at home surrounded by family after a valiant fight with cancer. Rudy was born July 25, 1928, in Charleston, West Virginia and lived in Cabin Creek during his early life. He was the son of the late Luigi and Amelia DiTrapano who emigrated from Italy. Also, preceding him in death, were his son Lidano Albert DiTrapano, his brother, Virgil DiTrapano, and his sister, Carla Loretta McGoldrick. Rudolph is survived by his wife of 60 years, Martha Veazey DiTrapano, his children, Luisa DiTrapano (Cyrus) of Charleston, Dante' diTrapano (Teri) of Charleston, Lia DiTrapano Fairless (L.J.) of South Charleston, Giancarlo DiTrapano (Giuseppe) of Rome, Italy; his grandchildren Zachary diTrapano of Knoxville, TN, Niccia diTrapano of Charleston, Santino diTrapano of Charleston, Ben Fairless of Boone, NC, Sofia diTrapano of Charleston, and Francesca Fairless of South Charleston; his great-grandchildren, Braelyn Oldham of Knoxville, TN and Natalia Valentine of Charleston, and his sister, Evelyn DiTrapano of Charleston, numerous nieces and nephews and extended family in Italy. Rudolph graduated from Charleston Catholic High School, and went on to become a "Double Domer" earning an undergraduate and law degree at the University of Notre Dame. Rudy was an all-around athlete but was best known for his boxing skills where he fought throughout high school, college and the military. After he obtained his Doctorate of Jurisprudence, he enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He served in the JAG Corps where he first plied his skills as a lawyer. Upon his return to West Virginia, he opened a law practice in Chelyan. He went on to be the founding member of DiTrapano & Jackson, which evolved into DiTrapano, Barrett, DiPiero, McGinely & Simmons. He practiced law for 65 years focusing on criminal defense and personal injury litigation. According to Rudy, he tried more cases than anyone in the State of West Virginia. Rudy successfully argued and won a case for a West Virginia legislator in the United States Supreme Court of Appeals. Throughout his career, he participated in cases that resulted in over 100 published opinions. In addition to being a former State Democratic Chairman and serving as campaign manager for multiple gubernatorial candidates, Rudy remained active in West Virginia politics throughout his life. Rudy voted a straight democratic ticket his entire life. Rudy was active in the community serving on numerous boards including: the West Virginia Symphony, University of Charleston, City National Bank, and Wheeling Jesuit University. As a true Renaissance man, he enjoyed playing the violin, reciting poetry, reading books, making wine, and preparing Italian cuisine. Rudy also enjoyed snow skiing, fishing, pheasant hunting and rowing his scull on the Kanawha River where he resided for the last 50 years. Rudy had a huge personality. Anyone who ever spent time with him had the opportunity to enjoy stories, jokes or simply his quick witted responses. In his law office, Rudy would exit any conversation, if someone gave him a "heads up", had "all their ducks in a row", wanted to "touch base", or complained of a "full plate". Being an innately amusing person, he was a source of entertainment to family and friends, until he took his last breath. The family would like to thank Hospice nurse Kelly and special care giver Jamie. A Funeral Mass to Honor the Life of Rudolph DiTrapano will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 28, 2017 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 305 E. Street, South Charleston with Father John Finnell officiating. Burial will take place in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. Family and Friends may visit from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday, October 27, 2017 at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lidano DiTrapano Scholarship Fund benefitting Sacred Heart and Charleston Catholic, C/O Sacred Heart Co Cathedral, 1114 Virginia St E, Charleston, WV 25301. Memories of Rudy may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.