Neil S. Napolitan

Neil Napolitan, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on April 10, 2024, at the age of 78. Born on July 19, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, Neil's life was a rich tapestry of diverse experiences. He married Christine Holst-Grubbe in 1968, and they spent more than 55 years filled with love and laughter together. They moved to Brooklyn in 1978, where they raised their three children. Neil leaves behind a legacy of kindness and strength through his children and grandchildren: Matthew Napolitan and his wife Carrie, and their children Louis and Joseph; Christina "Casey" Quartararo and her daughter Abby; and Sarah Bianco and her husband Walter, along with their children Ignazio and Maddalena. Neil's family included four brothers, many siblings-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and countless cousins. His outgoing nature made him a friend to many, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him. Neil cherished his role as a grandfather, finding joy, amusement and fulfillment in his grandchildren.

Neil had many professional experiences, each differently reflecting his interests, skills and talents. From his early days as an assembly line worker at Cadillac Motor Car to his career as a professional actor on both stage and screen, Neil seemed to have done it all. Other roles included English teacher, NBC set builder, contractor, gourmet market owner, and facilities manager.

An avid fly fisherman, he shared his expertise and love for the sport by teaching disabled veterans to tie flies, leaving a lasting impact on their lives. His artistic talents shone in his meticulously crafted flies, as well as in the artwork he occasionally dabbled in. Neil appreciated nature, and was a champion for the environment before such things were trendy. He was a dedicated citizen weather reporter for the National Weather Service, and in the past participated in the New York City tree census. Alongside his wife, he helped to care for the St. Francis Xavier church garden, nurturing beauty for his neighbors to enjoy.

His memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched, his spirit forever present in the lives he enriched. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for his kindness, generosity, and zest for life. May he rest in peace, surrounded by the love of those who adored him.

For those wishing to remember Neil with a donation, the following organizations can be considered:

Trout Unlimited https://www.tu.org/

Project Healing Waters https://projecthealingwaters.org/

City Meals on Wheels https://www.citymeals.org/

A visitation for Neil will be held Sunday, April 14, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM amd 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Joseph G. Duffy Funeral Home, 255 9th St Brooklyn, NY 11215. A mass of christian burial will occur Monday, April 15, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Francis Xavier Church, 225 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215.