Hilda B. Trapani

Hilda Bernice Trapani, 88, of Akron, Ohio, went home to her Lord on March 3, 2026. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Hilda’s goal in life was to please the Lord. She walked humbly with God her entire life. She was a woman who surrounded herself with beauty, and her creative gifts blessed many people. Often she gave a small gift or a hand-drawn quote when someone visited her home or was in need. She loved long country drives, old books, a strong cup of coffee, holding babies, flea markets with her daughters, sketching, interior design, hugs from her grandchildren, and meals around the table.

She loved church. She was a pastor’s daughter from birth and a pastor’s wife for over 45 years. She taught Sunday School, led Vacation Bible School, organized ladies’ groups, prepared events and parties, counseled others, and was involved in nearly every area of the church. After her husband passed, she attended First Apostolic Church of Tallmadge. From serving in her church to standing with her hands lifted in worship, she adored her community there and felt blessed by the relationships she formed.

Hilda took great pride in her children and grandchildren. Her greatest joy was being a mother and grandmother, and she loved to talk about their accomplishments. Her deepest desire was that they would always walk with the Lord and serve in His kingdom.

As her family grew, she created a warm and loving home for them, as well as for many others. Hospitality was one of her greatest strengths. Many young people were invited to join the family around the dinner table, enjoying good food and edifying conversation. Throughout the years, her home was opened to hundreds, exemplifying Matthew 25:35: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you took me in.” She set a lovely example for her family of trusting the Lord with what you have. She and her husband offered help and comfort to many lost and hurting people.

Even in her dying breaths, Hilda strove to please Jesus. This was what mattered most to her. Her life was full of many joys as well as sorrows. She was known for both her physical strength and her spiritual strength. She remained steadfast in her faith through many great losses and struggles, setting an example of great faith for many.

Hilda was born in Louisiana, Missouri, on January 20, 1938. She was married to Robert Don Trapani for 54 years, and together they built a life focused on their faith in Jesus and their family. She was a graduate of Apostolic Bible Institute, where met the love of her life, her husband Robert and many lifelong friends.

She is survived by her children: Geoffrey Scott Trapani (Julie), Anthony Michael Trapani (Donna), Julia Renee Rose (Hugh), and Andrea Trapani Robinette; and her grandchildren: Alexandra Grace Burt (Philip), Abigail Elizabeth Trapani, Molly Katherine Mollet (Andy), Robert Thomas Trapani, David Harper Rose (Megan), Andrew Joseph Rose, Nathanael Mark Robinette, Elizabeth Anna Robinette, Benjamin Latta Robinette, Rebekah Julia Robinette, Anna Bernice Robinette, and Valiant Augustine Robinette.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Don Trapani; her sons, Nathan Paul Trapani and David Mark Trapani; her grandchildren, Emily Noel Trapani, Gideon Robert Robinette, and Liam Tyndale Robinette; her son-in-law, Mark Allen Robinette; her parents, Thomas Milton Latta and Lola Loreen Latta (Mitchell); her brother, Samuel Latta; and her sisters, Della Huff (Latta) and Beverly Hernbeck (Latta).

Services will be held at First Apostolic Church of Tallmadge, 199 South Avenue, Tallmadge, Ohio 44278. Visitation will take place from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 6:00 p.m. on March 9, 2026.

Hilda’s life and enduring faith will be remembered by many, and her godly heritage will remain a continued gift to her family. We are thankful that she is with the Lord.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day—and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.”
2 Timothy 4:7–8.