In Memory

Richard Napoli VIEW PROFILE

Richard Napoli

Jeanette Truax Hammings of Newfane directed me to his obituary:

Rutland-Corwin Funeral Home, Inc.


Richard A. Napoli Richard A. Napoli
(March 28, 1935 - August 17, 2007)

 

U.S. Veteran Richard Anthony Napoli, 72, of Newfane, New York went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 17, 2007 while in the care of Niagara Hospice House. He was born March 28, 1935 in Poughkeepsie, New York to Anthony and Lauretta (Albertson) Napoli. Mr. Napoli was a 1961 graduate of SUNY College at Fredonia where he studied music education, majoring in the clarinet and alto saxophone. He received his Master’s Degree in music education from University at Buffalo. Mr. Napoli taught music and directed the band in the Wilson School District from 1961 – 1967 where he also assisted Don Charles with the Wilson Blue Angels Drum Corp. Mr. Napoli directed the Blue Angels Marching Band for three years. He continued his career as a music educator by moving to the Newfane Central School District in 1967. He retired in 1996 after a total of 35 years as a band and music teacher. Mr. Napoli touched the lives of many students who remember him as caring and dedicated with a true passion for bringing music into the lives of young people. Mr. Napoli played with big bands in the area, including Don Keller’s Big Band for 10 years. Prior to his teaching career, Mr. Napoli served in the United States Army where he worked with Nike missiles. Mr. Napoli is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Mary Ann (Oderkirk) Napoli. He is also survived by his son, Rik (Laura) Napoli and his daughter Lisa (David) Penharlow, and his step-daughters Heather (Jason) Wulf and Holly (Jonathan) Erwin. Also surviving are six grandchildren: Jack Penharlow, Trevor Napoli, Loren and Logan Wulf, and Liam Ellwood and Laena Erwin. Mr. Napoli leaves behind his sister Carol Mataraza and two brothers Raymond (Ginny) Napoli and Edward (Margaret) Napoli. Known as Grandpa Nap and Pa to his grandchildren, he was much loved by them all and took great joy in watching them grow. He started golfing as a teenager and continued to enjoy the sport throughout his life. He and his wife traveled extensively, most recently to England, Wales, and Scotland. Mr. Napoli’s most enjoyable times were spent with his wife, family, and close friends. The family will be present to receive friends Monday August 20 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at Rutland-Corwin Funeral Home, Inc. 2670 Main Street, Newfane, NY. Relatives and friends are invited to attend funeral services Tuesday August 21 at 11:00 AM at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 75 East Avenue, Lockport, NY. Burial will follow in Cold Springs Cemetery. Memorials to Niagara Hospice House would be appreciated by the family of Mr. Napoli.



 
  Post Comment

05/31/14 04:28 PM #1    

Paul Darnell

I just heard from his son, Rik, who lives in Fredonia, NY. He is glad to know we're remembering his father.


  Post Comment

 


Click here to see Richard's last Profile entry.