Julius Alarapon's Obituary
Late Architect Julius Abiodun Alarapon was born on May 2nd, 1951 to Late Pa. John Olojugba Alarapon of Olisa Arogbadamu Family, Arakale, Akure, and Late Madam. Comfort Ibidun, daughter of Aro Adanri of Iro Akure, in Ondo-State, Nigeria. He was the eldest child and only son of his father’s children.
He started his primary school education at Kajola Primary School in his village then later transferred to African Primary School, Arakale, Akure, Ondo-State. After completing his primary school education. He attended Anglican Grammar School, Iju Ita-Ogbolu, Ondo-State, and graduated from High School in 1975, with excellent WAEC results. He gained employment with St. Peter Teacher Training as Senior Lab. Assistant and was also assigned to teach Extra Mural Classes.
Late Arch. Julius Alarapon left St. Peters for Lagos to work for PZ where he worked as Credit Controller even though he never studied Accounting but because he was so smart and very diligent, they offered him the job. In 1979, he attempted to get visa to go to France, and with the help of a man by name Mr. Yasper, who was very impressed by his school certificate report, he got the Visa.
He left Nigeria for France in 1979 with his childhood friends Dr. Dare (Lemmy) Oluyide and Mr. Dapo Taiwo. He quickly learnt French, and he intended to study Architecture and Structural Engineering however, himself and Dr. Dare Oluyide proceeded to New York, United States in 1980 while Mr. Dapo Taiwo joined them in 1981. They all rented a one-bedroom apartment and lived joyfully together as brothers. Dr. Oluyide eventually left for California. Arch. Julius Alarapon persuaded Mr. Dapo Taiwo to stay in New York where they lived together for many years. Julius liked to cook so he did most of their cooking while they were living together.
His first job in America was Cabdriver in New York City and did this for several years while going to school as well. After surviving robbery attempts while driving the cab, he left Cab driving to work as a Security officer at the same time working with a Military organization ironing uniforms. He also worked for Coca-Cola depot in Philadelphia making about $1:50 per hour. At the top of his mind was his desire to become an Architect and he never lost that focus. He attended New York Institute of Technology but was unable to get his certificate because he could not balance his school fees. With his friends he formed an organization named “Association of Friends” where they contributed money for him to obtain his certificate. He got his Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 1985.
After graduation, he was employed by New York, Board of Education as an Architect for over 10 years. He worked for NYCSCA (New York City School Construction Authority) as Architect and retired. He worked for URS Construction company for over 10 years. He was recalled again by his previous supervisor to work for AG Consulting Engineering in New York as a Construction General Superintendent. He retired three times but was always called back before he finally retired in January 2020.
He met his wife in 1996 while looking for his niece who has a business lady at Nepa market, Akure. Meanwhile Ms. Mopelola Fayose had heard a voice the previous Saturday telling her she must open her boutique at Nepa market by herself on Monday. The voice came to her repeatedly and so collected her keys from her salesgirls telling them she will be opening the store by herself on Monday. Her salesgirls were so worried thinking they were getting fired for not having any sales that day which is not uncommon. So, around 8am on Monday Ms. Fayose opened her shop and here come “brother alaye’re” (the man with good life) who needed assistance finding his niece. Mope however wanted to sell her guinea brocade and other men’s wears. Brother Alaye Ire now said “please I’m not here to buy rather I’m looking for my niece Aduke who also has a shop here. Mope took him to his niece’s shop and as God will have it Abiodun could not take his eyes nor his mind off Ms. Mopelola Fayose.
He located Mope’s house and quickly bonded with Mope’s mother. Mope’s mom became the most influential person in talking to Mope to agree to Biodun’s proposal. In the year 2000, Mope came to join her sister in California and the first time she went to Church with the Adesinas, she met Mr. Alarapon’s childhood friend, Mr. Oluyide, who immediately contacted Arch. Alarapon that Mope has arrived in the US. This rekindled their love, they got married in California and Mope relocated to New Jersey to join her husband.
Mope describes her late husband as a very hardworking, God fearing, caring, friendly, selfless, honest, sincere, life loving, compassionate, forgiving, approachable, sociable and a complete man who takes care of his wife, children, family and friends. “I can never forget Abiodun she says”. He took care of me and his children very well”.
Late Arch. Julius Alarapon was a very vibrant and sociable person, well known and recognized in his community. He was an active member of the New York Committee of Friends, and Akure Oyemekun Association of New York, NY. He was their secretary for 10 years and they donated an ambulance during his tenure to Akure State Hospital, 1996. He also formed Nigeria Elite Club , Group of Friends here in New Jersey. Their Motto is “friend I have your back”. For many years, he was a member of Rock of Ages Pentecostal Church, Little Ferry under the leadership of Pastor Thomas Adewolu where he gave his life for Christ and was baptized. In 2004, the family relocated to South Jersey where they joined RCCG Tabernacle of Peace as Pioneer member, and he was an active member till death. He’s fondly referred as “Baba Alarapon Onigangan” as he enjoyed playing the talking drum in the house of God. He loved helping people in need and he helped a lot of friends and family members finance their education. He was very passionate about people around him progressing, a selfless man with a BIG Heart. A man of dignity, he left a legacy of love, caring and friendship. For this, his family will continue to celebrate him forever. A foundation in his honor will be created in future to support his beliefs.
Abebe as he’s fondly called by his friends, initiated a lot of social gathering with friends encouraging others to invest in Nigeria and became a marital counselor in his community by always encouraging men to take care of their homes. He’s quick to say, “settle with your wife, women are all the same”.
Architect Julius Abiodun Alarapon is survived by his loving wife Mrs. Mopelola Alarapon and children: Folasade, Kayode, Ayomikun ,grandchildren and two junior Sisters.
We thank God for the fulfilled beautiful life he lived and the legacy he left behind.
May the Lord console and watch over the family and friends he left behind. Amen
Relatives and friends are invited to gather at Givnish of Cinnaminson, 1200 Route 130 North, on Thursday evening September 16th from 6 to 9 pm, and Friday morning, September 17th, from 8 am to 10 am. His funeral service will begin at 10 am, and will be livestreamed. Click here to view the service at 10 am: https://my.gather.app/remember/julius-alarapon. Interment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson, NJ.
What’s your fondest memory of Julius?
What’s a lesson you learned from Julius?
Share a story where Julius' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Julius you’ll never forget.
How did Julius make you smile?