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.
