John Traupman, retired professor of classics at St. Joseph’s University, died Feb. 7, 2019, at the age of 96.
After graduating from high school, Traupman enlisted in the Army during World War II and rose to the rank of sergeant major. After the war he graduated from Moravian College with a bachelor’s degree in Latin and classics. In 1956 he earned a Ph.D. in classics from Princeton, and then joined the faculty of St. Joseph’s College (now University).
Traupman had a 38-year career as a professor at St. Joseph’s, the last 30 years as chair of the classics department. He translated Latin and German dictionaries to English and was a prolific author of many Latin-related subjects.
He was president of the Philadelphia Classical Society for eight years and was important to its growth. Traupman also taught night school for many years at Villanova University. He published many books and was a sought-after public speaker, covering such subjects as Roman, Greek, and Egyptian history and archaeology. He received many awards, and his publications are still being used in universities today.
Traupman’s wife of 70 years, Pauline, died Dec. 7, 2018. He is survived by a daughter and a grandson.
Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.