William J. Trappey

New Iberia-A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Monday, April 20, 2009 at St. Peter Catholic Church in New Iberia for William J. Trappey, 83, who passed away peacefully at home, on Wednesday, April 16, 2009, in the company of his loving family. Entombment will follow in the Holy Family Mausoleum. Rev. Gary Schexnayder will be the Celebrant. Mr. Trappey was born in Jeanerette but lived most of his life in New Iberia. He had a long and successful career with B. F. Trappey's Sons, Inc., where he led the family owned food company as President for over twenty years. He was active in New Iberia's civic community, serving as Chair of the Board of Iberia General Hospital, President of the New Iberia Chamber of Commerce, and President of the Lion's Club. He was also a member of the Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, and a longtime usher at St. Peter's Catholic Church. Mr. Trappey was proud to serve his country by volunteering for the U.S. Army in 1944 where he attained the rank of Sargeant First Class with the Rainbow Division. He saw action in World War II's Battle of the Bulge and was awarded a Purple Heart and commendation medals. He graduated from St. Peter's College as valedictorian of his class, attended St. Mary's University in San Antonio, and received his degree in Business Administration from Loyola University New Orleans. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Cleo V. Trappey, and his five children and their spouses, Linda T. Dautreuil and husband C. Chris Dautreuil of Covington, Suzanne T. Mestayer and husband Michael J. Mestayer of Metairie, William J. "Bill" Trappey Jr and wife Credette D. Trappey of New Iberia, David J. Trappey and wife Claire P. Trappey of Kingwood, Tx, Michelle L. Broussard and husband Brian Broussard of The Woodlands, Tx, and his nine grandchildren C. Christopher Dautreuil, William J. "Joey" Trappey III, Melise S. Mestayer, Nicholas C. Trappey, Kathryn C. Trappey, Michael J. Mestayer, Jr., Lauren E. Trappey, Benjamin B. Broussard, and Olivia M. Broussard. He had the love and admiration of all of his family and will be forever missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, William H. and Mary Boudreaux Trappey. Pallbearers will be William J. "Bill" Trappey, Jr.; David J. Trappey, C. Chris Dautreuil, Michael Mestayer, Brian Broussard, C. Christopher Dautreuil, William J. "Joey" Trappey, III, Nicholas C. Trappey, Michael J. Mestayer, Jr., and Benjamin B. Broussard. A gathering of family and friends will be Sunday from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd, in New Iberia. A rosary will be prayed at 6:00 PM Sunday. Visitation will continue Monday from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM. Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd, New Iberia, LA, 70560, 337.365.3331, is in charge of the arrangements.