TRAPNELL, Judson Bemis

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: BA Maharishi International Univ, M Div Yale, Ph. D Catholic University of America.
• Obituary: News Journal 4 Aug 2003 Judson Bemis Trapnell Judson Bemis Trapnell, age 48 of Charlottesville, VA, died Sunday, August 3, 2003 at his residence. Born December 30, 1954, in Wilmington, DE, he was the son of the late Richard W. Trapnell, III and Jane Bemis Anderson. He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Rosemarie Trapnell, twin daughters, Grace Trapnell and Maria Trapnell all of Charlottesville; 2 brothers, George Trapnell of Greenville, DE and Richard Trapnell, IV of Kuranda, Australia; 1 aunt, Frederica Trapnell of Wilmington, DE; and 9 nieces and nephews. Mr. Trapnell graduated from Exeter High School in New Hampshire. He received a Masters Degree in Divinity from Yale University and a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Catholic University. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Charlottesville Waldorf School Library Fund, 1408 Crozet Avenue, Crozet, VA 22932. Teague Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
• Cause of Death: Malignant Melanoma

Notes:

From Journal of Hindu & Christian Studies, Vol 17, 2004

PROFESSOR Judson Trapnell was born in 1954 in Wilmington, Delaware. In 1979 he received his B.A. from Maharishi International University. He later graduated from Yale University with a M.Div., and in 1992 he received his Ph.D. from the Department of Religion and Religious Education at The Catholic University of America. From 1997 to 2000 he worked as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Hampden-Sydney in Virginia. In fall 2000 he joined the faculty at the College of St. Benedict / St. John's University in Minnesota in a tenure-track position. Tragically, he resigned that same school year, due to malignant melanoma. He, his wife, and his children returned to Virginia in order to be closer to family and friends. On August 3, 2003, he passed away at his home.

Dr. Trapnell had numerous publications, which appeared in journals such as the Journal of Ecumenical Studies, HinduChristian Studies Bulletin, Dialogue and Alliance, Horizons, and Vidyajyoti. He also presented papers at the conventions of the College Theology Society and the Catholic Theological Society of America. His research focused on classic figures from the Hindu-Christian encounter, such as Swami Abhishiktananda and Raimundo Panikkar. Bede Griffiths was his main inspiration, and in 2001 he published Bede Griffiths: A Life in Dialogue with the State University of New York Press. Trapnell also focused on current affairs, writing on the escalating tensions in India between Hindus and Christians. At the time of his death he was writing a second book, involving the poetry of Swami Abhishiktananda.

Trapnell was both a scholar and a contemplative. In fact, while his research was careful and rigorous it was also a means for him to draw closer to God. He thereby followed in the scholarly ideal of the European monasteries, and this is one of the reasons that he was so delighted to have received employment at St. Benedict / St. John's, both of which house large Benedictine communities. Trapnell's best work probably lay ahead. His family includes his wife, Rosemarie Trapnell, to whom he was married in 1987, and their children, Maria and Grace Trapnell. Judson Trapnell was a kind man, passionate about world religions, and beloved by his students.

Judson married CARMICI, Rosemarie [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]