George W. Trapper
May 20, 1920 – January 3, 2018
George W. Trapper has rejoined his 11th Special Forces Group and his buddies in the hereafter. George was born in Newark, New Jersey and became a Florida resident in 1987. He was a good husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was a proud member of the 82nd Airborne division. George was a veteran of WWII and served his country in Ireland, England, France, Belgium and Germany.
Then a sergeant, he was one of the first paratroopers to enter Berlin, Germany. He met his first wife, Phyllis, in Nottingham, England and brought his new bride to the United States after the war. Phyllis and George settled in Newark, New Jersey and had two daughters, Georgia and Donna.
His military service began on April, 1939 in the Marine Corps until January, 1941. He served in the NJ State Guard guarding critical installations. George then joined the Army as volunteer inductee, eventually earned his jump wings, was attached to the 82nd Airborne, then to the First Allied Airborne Army and finally to the Berlin District. After the war, George was part of the United States Army Special Forces, colloquially known as the Green Berets due to their distinctive service headgear.
Among his many military awards, he was most proud of earning the coveted U.S. Paratroopers Wings, the Meritorious Service medal and the European Ribbon with 4 battle stars. His rapport with his peers and enlisted members under his command brought him many accolades and commendations.
He was a member of the National Association For Uniform Services, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 82nd Airborne Division Association, The Parachute Regimental Association and the Special Forces Association.
George also worked full time for the Prudential Insurance Company in downtown Newark for over 30 years.
George was predeceased by his first wife, Phyllis Trapper, his daughter Georgia Caruso and Frances Hardy-Trapper. He is survived by his daughter, Donna, son in-law Attilio of Longwood, Florida, three grandchildren, Michael, Christopher and Dana and three great grandchildren.
Private Funeral Services will be held for George at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of George W. Trapper please visit our Sympathy Store.
https://www.steversonhamlinhilbish.com/obituaries/George-Trapper/#!/Obituary
