Maria C. Napoles

Maria, lovingly regarded as “Concha” and “Kiki,” was born on December 8, 1940, in Camagüey, Cuba, to Joaquín N. Bello and Ana R. Bello (Lastre). She married the love of her life, Armelio L. Nápoles, on February 14, 1979, at Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Caridad in Havana. They immigrated to the U.S. in August 1990 and created a beautiful life together in Tampa.

Armelio and Maria were devout members of Incarnation Catholic Church where she sang in the choir and served ministries that supported women, children, and the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Maria was also a talented hairdresser who, for many years, joyfully took care of her beloved customers from her home studio.

At her core, Maria, was a faithful disciple of Christ, illuminating the dark with His light and love and serving others to the glory of His name. Her gifts of compassionate caregiving and wholehearted presence improved the lives of many and will be her legacy.

Maria is preceded in death by her husband, Armelio Nápoles; parents, Joaquín and Ana Bello; and siblings, Angel Bello, Nelson Bello, and Elba Ferrer (Miguel).

Maria is survived by her siblings, Teresa Quintero (Hugo) and Tito Bello; sisters in law, Angela Bello and Gloria Bello; many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and her extended family in Christ, Orlaida and Jim Salce and their children, Joseph (Victoria); Joselyn (Klayton); Justin; Juliana; Andrew Menendez (Melissa); and Brian Menendez (Aimee).

A memorial service will take place on Thursday, August 7, at 7:00 p.m. at Gonzalez Funeral Home, with a viewing beginning at 6:00 p.m. A private burial service will take place on Friday, August 8, at 10:00 a.m. at Garden of Memories. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Maria’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death, and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that your servant Maria, being raised with Him, may know the strength of His presence, and rejoice in His eternal glory; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

– Book of Common Prayer, 493