Obituary of Danny Napoli

“Uncle Danny” - 72 of Cliffside Park, NJ, passed away on Sunday morning, March 29. 2020 due to complications of COVID-19. It is with our deepest regret and broken hearts to announce the passing of our brother, uncle, cousin and friend to all. Danny was retired from Bellevue Hospital, PS 106 where he began as a teacher for kids that faced adversity and retired as a Dean. He will always be remembered as a very special person with a generous spirit and someone who made time for everyone he met. The mark he left behind on his family, former students, co-workers, teammates and classmates is immeasurable. To many of his admirers he was a larger than life person in both Cliffside Park and Florida where his competitive spirit shone through in the various sports he loved to play. He was a coach and mentor to many youngsters and students at Bellevue Hospital. He loved coaching kids, teaching the fundamentals of the game of baseball and would follow their athletic careers throughout high school and college. He had a keen sense of what motivated them. As an Administrator and Physical Ed instructor at Bellevue Hospital for 25 years, he touched the lives of numerous underprivileged kids who related to him either as a big brother or surrogate father. This is manifested by the continued outpouring from former students who have taken to social media to express their grief and disbelief of what has happened to “Mr. Napoli”. To say that he has left a void in so many lives and that the world is a smaller place without him would be an understatement. Danny never failed to put a smile on your face. He had an amazing memory and would be able to recollect names and stories from his childhood years which made him the most gifted storyteller in the family (he could really talk your ear off, if you let him). We lost an amazing, profoundly well-loved man, and the stars shine just a little dimmer without him. His laugh, sense of humor, his love of conversation, sports and his persona will forever be in us. Danny, we love you and promise that you will never be forgotten or replaced in our hearts. Danny is predeceased by his parents Pasquale and Mary Napoli (Florio). Surviving are his beloved brothers Frank Napoli (and his wife Kathy) of Walnut Creek, CA, Renato (Rennie) Napoli and Mayra Feliciano of Ridgefield Park, NJ, and cherished nephews Jon Brett (and his wife Elizabeth) of Danville, CA, Ryan Napoli of Berkeley, CA, Scott Napoli (and his wife Florence) of San Mateo, CA, Matthew Napoli of Oakland NJ and niece Alexa Napoli of Oakland NJ. A memorial will be announced and friends will be contacted through social media. It will be held in Cliffside Park at a yet to be determined date.