"I'm so sorry for your loss. Jack was a great guy! He will be sadly missed. Randy & Gail Wordell - Little Compton, RI"
In loving memory of
John 'Jack' Napolitano
June 23, 2016
John Anthony Napolitano ("Jack"), 69, of Newport died on June 23rd at home after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family.Jack was born on June 16, 1947 in Jacksonville, Florida and grew up in Newport attending public schools, De La Salle and the Community College of Rhode Island. He was Vietnam veteran serving aboard the USS Newport News 1967-68.He began a career in insurance sales in 1971 upon graduation from the Community College of Rhode Island. Jack spent over 45 years working as an insurance agent and financial advisor for The New England and Metropolitan Insurance Companies. He was dedicated to his clients and colleagues, receiving numerous awards and recognitions throughout his illustrious career. Jack wrote several articles for national insurance publications and spoke around the country which has been a source of inspiration for thousands of new agents entering the business. He was a platform speaker at the 1994 Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) to over 8,000 attendees, representing 22 countries. His legacy in the Insurance industry was his greatest professional and personal achievements. He loved his work and his clients, and found purpose and joy in helping others through difficult times and loss.He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Jeanne-Marie (Kemp) Napolitano, current Mayor of Newport and his children, Tracey A Napolitano of Newport, Sean P Napolitano and his wife Andrea, Michael and his wife Meaghan, Joseph P Napolitano and Jennifer Arnold of Newport, his grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Keeley Rose Sheekey, Brian A Napolitano, Morgan Napolitano and Jack Napolitano. He is also survived by his brother Paul D Napolitano of Bedford, Massachusetts, and beloved black lab, Buster.He is predeceased by his parents, Anthony P. Napolitano and Mary (Trainor) Napolitano.Jack was an active in his community. He was a member of the Middletown Rotary for the past 25 years, serving as President in 1994-1995 and also served on the Board of Trustee's for CCRI since 2005. He was inducted into the Alumni Association Society of the Knights in 2007. Early in his career, Jack was member of the Jaycees, working tirelessly with his fellow Jaycees on community projects. He is a member of the Waunotonomy Golf Club. He helped with the Rec Reunion Committee. He was a communicant of St Joseph's Church in Newport. Jack loved to play Racquetball and was an avid golfer. He loved to cook and found comfort in feeding anyone who walked into his home. He was a loving and loyal friend embracing life with an excitement that was unavoidably contagious. Jack had words of encouragement and inspiration for everyone, especially for those he felt would have the most impact. He loved to dance and especially loved the sounds of Motown. He laughed louder, longer, and loved harder than most. He touched many lives and will be missed by all.Visitation is Monday, June 27th from 4:00pm - 7:00pm at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 28th at 10:00am in St Joseph's Church on Broadway. Committal prayers and military honors will follow at St Columba's Cemetery in Middletown. Memorial donations may be made to the Edward King House Senior Center, 35 King Road, Newport, RI 02840. Cemetery Details St. Columba's Catholic Cemetery Brown's Lane Middletown, RI, Visitation JUN 27. 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com Mass JUN 28. 10:00 AM St. Josephs Church Mann Avenue at Broadway Newport, RI, US
Tributes
"My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm so sorry for your loss. Shirley Coleman Reagan"
"To The Napolitano family, very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time."
"Sorry to read about jack.we are in Newport.along with Germaine and her twins.our love and prayers are with you and the family.our blue eye soul brother.so,so sorry.Bill ,cindy Rolling Green Neighbor"
"My sincerest condolences to the Napolitano family. Jack was a wonderful man and I'll never forget how good he was to my parents. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time."
"Dear Jeanne, Tracy, Sean, Michael, and Joe,I was deeply saddened to hear of Jack's passing. I will always fondly remember his wonderful smile and hearty laugh. Newport County has lost one more of the best people in the community. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that our paths will cross so that I can personally convey my sympathy.Bill Campbell, Jersey City, NJ"
"So sorry to hear of Jack's passing. He was a gentleman, kind and helpful. God Bless you Jack! Sincerely, Annemarie Moitoza and family"
"So sorry for your loss. He was a very nice gentleman. He will sorely be missed. R.I.P. Jack."
"Sincerest condolences to Jeanne and the Napolitano family. Jack was the most caring and genuine person who touched the lives of many colleagues and young professionals at New England Life. I witnessed Jack's influence first hand - watching him speak at many NEL Career schools during the mid 1990's. His words of wisdom went beyond building a business and his impact on many young agents was immeasurable. Our prayers are with the entire Napolitano family during this difficult time. Heaven just became a better place. Kevin & Karen Lane"
"My condolences to the Napolitano family with deepest sympathy for your loss. May he rest in peace. Amen"
"Jean-Marie and Family, I was truly shocked to read of Jack"s passing. Such a vibrant personality, a valiant leader and one of the most professional individuals to ever make a career in the life insurance industry. We came in the business around the same time. We would run into each other on various occasions. I was always amazed at how much territory Jack covered with appointments. He had such energy. I also had the opportunity to hear him speak at industry functions and he was one of the best motivators of anyone in the business. I am truly sorry for your loss and I know there are many people who he touched that will miss him too. With deepest sympathy, G. David Parent, CLU CHFC (past President 1997-98 R I Society of Financial Professionals)"
"Sincerest condolences Jeanne and family from Charlie Ake and Peggy Hatch. Just arrived for the summer and Peggy told me the sad news. Will always remember Jack's voice and his "Chaaarrrrrlie". A friend forever. Best wishes to all, Charlie."
"There are times in life when we just don't have the words or don't know where to start with the few we do have! I mourn the passing of an old friend from days that were simpler then... We lived our early teen lives together almost every day like brothers. I called you at the time you were passing, Jack. I had so many memories I wanted to share with you so I could hear you laugh again. I am so sorry for not being a better friend. When I moved to CA with my new bride in 1969, life changed a lot. But remember when you visited on business and we became like 10 year olds running through Disneyland? How, when I returned "home" to Newport for a vacation we played tennis and then consumed and "washed down" 3 dozen clams? How we shared your early days of you learning guitar and that gig at the lake in Connecticut? Lugging our shared amp 2 blocks between our homes almost every day? The time I stole your girl at the DLS dance back in '62? When you broke your knee shagging a flyball at Cottrell? The many times you hummed a "new song" for us to play, though you were tone deaf? How you welcomed me back from Nam with a hug and a drink on the house? How you experimented with your bartending skills on Phyllis, my bride to be? We became engaged to be married over one of your concoctions and 46 years later, we smile at your name as the memories flood back again.To your family, we can offer nothing but prayers that the Lord will do His work. "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Ps. 147:3. He comforts us in our affliction and gives us new mercies every day. May you all experience His great love and peace in your days ahead. For now, our family in California mourns with you and yet we take great joy in the memories we are blessed to have of Jack and you, his beloved family.Joe."
"Patty and I send our condolences to Jeanne and the rest of the Napolitano family. I've known Jack since he spoke at my New England Life "career school" in 1997 where he was an inspirational educator. I later dubbed him "Wild Thing" for his exhuberant attitude and sounds at company dinners and conferences! He was a walking talking party in motion always. Baystate Financial will miss him dearly but his imprint on the careers of countless will never be forgotten.Jerry Facey"
"Jeanne Marie & Family. No matter where, church or on the street he never forgot to stop and talk or just say hello. He was one of a kind, good friend and truly will be missed.Rest in peace my friend. Brenda Ray Jones and James Glover"
"William and Jonilda Brossi purchased the Country Basket Blooms for the family of John 'Jack' Napolitano."
"I was very sad to hear of Jack's passing. My condolences to his family and friends."
"Divine Peace Bouquet was purchased for the family of John 'Jack' Napolitano."
"Sincerest condolences Tracey - Günter & Siobhán Kern"
"Peter C. Flynn purchased the Pink Tribute Spray for the family of John 'Jack' Napolitano."
"Harriet and I were stunned to learn of Jack's passing our deepest condolences to the family.Freddie and Harrier Meyers MooreOrlando, FL."
"ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT AND THE MURPHY FAMILY, CONDOLENCES TO ALL THE NAPOLITANO FAMILY ON THE DEATH OF ONE GREAT GUY, JOHN "JACK". WHAT CHARITY; SOME ARE NOT LISTED? I WISH I COULD MEASURE UP TO JACK. MAY GOD HOLD HIM AND ALL OF YOU IN THE HALLOW OF HIS HAND. PAT. MURPHY, CITY HISTORIAN"
"Dear Jean-Marie and the entire Napolitano Family:Jean, your Jack made friends of everyone he met. But this was only a part of his personality. We all will remember him for his generosity. Jack involved himself in worthwhile civic projects and everyone that knew him is richer for having shared his life with him. On behalf of Barbara and I, and our entire family, please accept our heartfelt sympathy in your time of great sorrow. Robert & Barbara Sylvia - Middletown"
"Jeanne Marie and Family. My prayers are with you all during this time. Jack has been a great friend to me over our years in Rotary, going to URI Basketball, and just being able to go to his office and talk. It was wonderful that we were able to go together to the NCAA tournament this year. His always positive attitude, great laugh, and contributions to good activities such as Rotary were an inspiration to me. It was an honor to have known him.Your Friend,Pat"
"we will always rememberer jack ,his smile his laugh and his thoughfulnes. rest in peace, dear ja k"
"Jeanne, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole Napolitano family. Jack was a wonderful, caring person and a true friend. We will never forget how he welcomed us to Newport and created such wonderful memories. Our times at Fort Adams events, the Newport Rotary, all those fun-filled Italian festivals on Columbus weekends, and the many great shows we attended together at PPAC will never be forgotten. Jack was someone you always wanted to be with. He will be greatly missed and always remembered.Tony & Doris Palermo"
"Love, James Golden, Khadija, and Vanessa Marie purchased the Beautiful in Blue for the family of John 'Jack' Napolitano."
"Jeanne and family, I am sorry to hear about Jack's passing. What a great guy Jack was whenever our paths would crossed always outgoing, big hug. I have warm memories of your home when our children were young. Rest in peace Jack. Prays to all the Napolitano's. Sincerely, Brenda Murphy"
"Jack and I met when we were children, he was a tenant at the Children's Home on Mary Street and I lived on the Hill on Williams St. We did everything together. He attended Del La Salle, and I attended Rogers. Shortly after high school we went into the Military Service. After our tour of duty, I moved to California and Jack remained in Newport and became one of the finest Insurance agent on the Island. We were brothers. During several years when I visited Newport with my family, Jack was a hit with my girls. They loved him as much as I did. On every visit to Newport we tried to make up for lost time, if we weren't attending our High school reunion, we had our own little clambake at his house with his beautiful wife and Mayor of Newport Jeanne Marie and whoever was visiting at the time. God I will miss those great times. I will miss his big laugh, I will miss my friend and brother forever. James L. Golden(Butch)"
"Dear Jeanne and family, I am shocked and deeply saddened this evening to hear of Jack's passing. He was my "financial guy" for many years. Always smiling, always helpful. We would catch up on "family stuff" in recent years and enjoyed sharing our joys of being grandparents. Since I no longer live in the area, I am unable to attend funeral services, but please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve the loss of a very special man.With deepest condolences,Jane Lincourt"
"Jeanne and Family, I'm so sorry to hear of Jacks passing.I didn't know of his illness and am shocked to hear this. Just knowing Jack and you as I did showed how easy it was to become friends! My Prayers are yours and the entire Napolitano Family."
"It is with heavy heart that we now must say good-by to Jack Napolitano and remember his wife Mayor Jeanne Marie Napolitano and their family in our prayers. They have lost a husband, a father, and a grandfather they loved and fully supported during Jack's final weeks, days and hours. We, his family, friends, the community at large have lost a great guy, a really caring and giving person and for many of us a great friend. Jack was a unique and talented person who both worked hard and played hard but he also used his ability to get things done, to serve his fellow man, make a difference for others and his community throughout his adult life. Although we will all miss him in our own ways, with heavy hearts, with tears, and grief but Jack was Jack and he also left us with some super memories.Dave Roderick"
"Jeanne and family....What a great guy !! I can hear his laugh which would always make me laugh. He was loud and fun and always interesting to be around! He helped me and Mike many times!!! I hope he's with my dad and they are talking about their days/nights at The Pier!! Makes me smile to think about that!"
"The Rhode island JAYCEES Alliance, with its prestigious JCI Senate and worldwide membership and affiliated organizational network, including the Rhode Island JAYCEE Alumni Association, offer our heartfelt remembrance, personal reflection and organizational praise to the family & friends of our loving brethren, JOHN ANTHONY "Jack" NAPOLITANO. The entire Rhode Island JAYCEE organization, wants to enthusiastically recognize the extraordinary efforts JACK has demonstrated within the ranks of community, career, military service and family home life as we genuinely rejoice in unison for his outstanding lifetime accomplishments, contributions and legacy for others to share and model. We humbly Petition The Blessings of Our True and Living God to be always with JACK and shared with family and friends forevermore. With Eternal and Fraternal Love, We Are, the Rhode Island Junior Chamber ('JAYCEES') Alliance ~ Rhode Island JCI Senate & JAYCEE Alumni Association"
"Dearest Sam (Jean)- Steve and I were truly shocked by learning the news of Jack's passing so quickly, while here in Virginia. We loved him dearly, as a good friend and confident. It was his infectious laughter and excitement over the simplest story, or issue, that we so cherished when we were around him, and you. Wish we could be there for you these next few days. Our deepest sympathy. Love, Irene and Steve Weaver"
"Over the last two years I saw Jack render an extraordinary level of care to a recently disabled friend. A visit and sometimes a lot more, at least twice a day. I believe Jack is the definition of the term, "good friend". My deepest sympathy to Jean and family.Pat Shea"
"Jeanne Marie and family, it was with the deepest shock and sadness that I read this morning of the loss of your husband, Jack! I am so very sorry and send you and your family my sincere condolences. You will all be in my heart as you go through the coming days of grieving. May your many loving memories be a comfort to you all! Nan and Ron Heroux"
"Jack was one in a million. Karen Haskell"
"Jeanne Marie and family. I am so sorry to hear this sad news and send you deepest sympathy . Sending prayers and Blessing your way! BJ Northup-Owen"
"Jeanne and family, I am so sorry about Jack. There is no doubt in my mind that Jack, Larry, and Karl (andGod knows who else) are all together sharing lots of memories and watching over us as they always did here on earth. As you well know, Jack was a savior to so many and is now being richly blessed. Take care of one another during this very sad and difficult time of great loss. Blessings to you all, greer Lyon"
"Beverly Weed lit a candle in memory of John 'Jack' Napolitano"
"To my dear friend Jean. I am so sorry for your loss. Jack was a great man and will be greatly missed. A year ago I lost my wife of 50 years and Jack was a big big help taking care of the insurance matters. I remember when Jack first started out Billy Amrial and I brought him to a FOP meeting and Jack got all the men signed up with insurance because we didn't have any. Then he went to the fire department and did the same. He really new his bussiness and truley believed in helping people. He will be greatly missed out to Green Valley. May God bless you and your wonderful family."
"To the family of Jack Napolitano Our prayers and thoughts are with. Jack was a great friend and man. He will be missed by many. With sympathy And love Nancy and Gordon lachance"
"Dear Napolitano Family,Please accept my condolences and sympathy in Jack's passing. Jack and I were great friends in our early years. We definitely lost touch through most of our adulthood, but if anyone could make us laugh with either a joke or a story, Jack could. He will be greatly missed. My prayers are with y'all through this very sad time.An old friend,-Sonny Behan-"
"RIP Jack a great guy and classmate DLS 65. Mike Sullivan Swansea, MA"
"If all the extroverts in the world decided to get together and elect officers, after all the noise and hub-bub settled down and the smoke cleared, Jack Napolitano would have been elected the president. His mainspring was wound up tight the moment he first saw the light of day 69 years ago, and he has been going straight out ever since. He was about as easy to ignore as an atomic blast and had the drive of a 100 car freight train on a down grade. Jack was my friend. The really special thing about that statement is that hundreds maybe thousands of people can claim the same. What a guy. What fun.When we first met just over 45 years ago I had the feeling that my life would never be the same and I was right.Jack loved his family, his occupation, his friends and his community and wow, will his energy and spirit be missed.Mike Sayles"
"You have our sympathy, Jack was a good friend and a wonderful person. There is a new star in the heavens.Windy & Thea Hennesseyhttp://storage.lifetributes.com/Candles/new/candle-5.png"
"The loss of another great person. My sympathy to his family. Jack was a great caring person. We will all miss him. Always a smile and a happy greeting. Felt he loved everyone"
"Jeanne and family -- When I heard the news today I was so shocked and saddened. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I remember working for Jack and the fun we had in that office. He also taught me so much about the insurance world. I remember when my mom and godmother showed up at the office for my 30th birthday. Jack insisted that my mom, aunt and I go to lunch on him, he wouldn't take no for an answer. I truly enjoyed working for him and there wasn't a day that Jack didn't make me laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. RIP Jack ~ you will be missed by so many. You are now in heaven making others smile and making others laugh. (Patti White Tavares)"
"Jack was a fine, compassionate man. He was a true friend of the men and woman of the Newport Police Department. When I was President of the Newport Police Relief Association which helps active and retired police officers and their famalies ,Jack was able to help us provide necessary coverage to protect them and to ease concerns of poor health. He volunteered his time and energy at various events related to this organization.He will be greatly missed by all of us who know him...."
"Thanks Al We all feel the same about you ! Paul"
"Thoughts and prayers to the family of Jack,a man who helped many in so many waysand was always there for the people in need,like his father Tony,Jack was a great man who will be missed by many,RIP my friend;"
"Jack was my "brother from a different mother". We shared the same birth date and though we may not have seen or heard from each other since our last one always spoke on our birthday. Everyone will miss his laughter and wonderful joie de vivre and I will miss our birthday calls. You were one of a kind, Jack. The Forum Lodge, Sons of Italy will find it difficult but we will try to find a proper replacement to carry the flag during the Columbus Day parade. Rest in peace, my friend.Shirley"
"Jack and I teamed up as golf partners in Cappy's League for many years. Never really mattered how poorly either of played but i can tell you that we had many a laugh, and usualy at ourselves. What a Great Guy. He helped a great many people that no one ever knew about. Not many people were there for Danny M, but Jack was there; getting him in his car, which was no easy task and off to the creamery they went. Jack knew the true meaning of charity.I can say that i am a better person for knowing Jack and i am already missing him.peter barry"