Mr. Kenneth J. (Babowicz) Trapasso

ILLINOIS/UTICA - Mr. Kenneth J. “Ken” (Babowicz) Trapasso, age 74, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 19, 2021, in the comfort and dignity of his home in Bolingbrook, Illinois. Born on January 12, 1947, Kenneth was the beloved son of the late Lucille D. (Cangello) Trapasso, Anthony J. Trapasso and wife, Clare Trapasso. Left to mourn his passing are his cherished sisters and brother-in-law, Lois A. and Thomas D. Pirro and Gail J. Brindisi. He also leaves his nephews and nieces especially Jason T. Pirro, Jeffrey J. Pirro, Jonathan A. and Catherine Pirro; Jodi Lynn LaPietra; great-nieces and great-nephews, Luccia M. Pirro, Elijah T. Pirro, Evania G. Pirro, and Lorenzo L. Pirro; multiple cousins with special mention of Michael Cangello; an aunt in Florida, Marie Cangello; Ken’s lifelong best friend, Anthony Arciero and his wife Kathy, and devoted friend, Cathy Spataro. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Edgar and Madeline (Zammiello) Palazzo; sister, Patricia R. Alito; and his uncles and aunt, Anthony C. Cangello, Angelo G. Cangello, Louis J. Palazzo and Josephine Cangello. While residing in Florida, Ken began his relationship in the restaurant industry. He eventually moved to Michigan accepting a position as a Regional Manager for the Magic Pan Restaurant Chain. He subsequently established, owned, and operated the Rib-Its Restaurant in Chicago. This endeavor brought him into an affiliation with the Holiday Inn Chains. He concluded his time in the hospitality industry working at Eddie Merlot’s Restaurant where he was well respected and blessed with the ability to make each patron feel special and was often requested by loyal patrons with whom he frequently became friends. Ken possessed fine taste in all things including art of which he owned several fine pieces. He also possessed his own artistic talent and with that created several lovely watercolors which will now be treasured keepsakes for family and friends. Ken had an outgoing personality and often seemed larger than life. His family always looked so forward to his visits “home” and to their visits with him in Chicago. No matter how far away Ken lived he never forgot his East Side heritage and kept it always close to his heart. He was especially close to his sister, Lois, with whom he shared a special bond. Over the years they shared many conversations regarding politics, religion, Ken’s love of movies from the 40’s, family memories, food, their Italian heritage and so many other reminisces and always, “How are the boys?”, his nephews. Each conversation with his sister ended with “Ciao Bella”. So, from your sister, with all the love in my heart and until we meet again, Salute and “Ciao Bella”. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 3, 2021, from 4:30 – 6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Ken’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at 12:00 at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Memorial contributions in Ken’s memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association online at https://www.diabetes.org/ways-to-give; envelopes will also be available at the service. Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with his mother at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Kenneth J. (Babowicz) Trapasso

January 12, 1947 - November 18, 2021