Ralph Napoli

Ralph Napoli, 64, of Manahawkin, NJ was tragically taken from his family on Sunday, March 10, 2019 while doing exactly what he loved, riding his Harley. Ralph was attending the Daytona Bike Week with his son Dominic and some friends when the tragedy occurred. An experienced rider of 13 years, Ralph was looking forward to spending the week in Daytona, so much so that he endured the early morning frigid 14 degree weather while leaving New Jersey on his Harley.

Ralph is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Karen (neé Kifner), his devoted children; son, Dominic and his wife Jennifer, and his daughter, Denise Gant and her husband Jesse and his 3 precious granddaughters and grandson, all who were the apple of his eye.

He is also survived by his loving siblings, his sister, JoAnn Jachetta and her husband Peter, his brothers; Louie and his wife Karen, Charles and his wife Holly, Angelo and his wife Lisa, Anthony and his wife Laura, Giuseppe and Michael, his many caring nieces and nephews and his constant companions, Pebbles and Marina.

Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Sally Napoli and his brother, Angelo.

He was born in Caltanissetta, Sicily, moving to America when he was 6 years old. His parents settled in Newark, NJ and then East Hanover, NJ. Ralph and Karen lived in Fairfield, NJ where they raised their family. He owned and operated NAPCO Truck and Auto Repair in both Caldwell, NJ and Fairfield, NJ until he and Karen moved to Manahawkin. Once settled in Manahawkin, he started NAPS Dockside Marine where he was a Marine Mechanic.

Ralph held his Captain License and enjoyed sailing on his boat, the Net Prophet. He was an avid fisherman, fishing especially for game fish such as Tuna, Mako Shark and Mahi-Mahi. He also enjoyed traveling and cruising with Karen. One of his favorites past times was sitting in his backyard, drinking coffee, watching the ducks go by. He loved to just sit and watch life. Ralph was such an avid Giant fan that his family actually thought he was on the coaching staff.

For one season, he drove the safari truck at Great Adventure in Jackson, it was a time of many laughs and good memories for him and his family.

Ralph will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

“We are always in such a rush, that we forget to sit back and enjoy the journey.”

A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00am Saturday, March 23rd at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 450 Radio Rd. Little Egg Harbor, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph’s name may be sent to the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation, PO Box 4886 Mooresville, NC 28117 ATTN: Emily Brown or online at martintruexjrfoundation.org or Look Twice Save a Life foundation.

email: [email protected] (Donations for this foundation may be made through pay pal in Ralph's memory)

To leave online condolences, please visit www.shinnfuneralhome.com

The Thos L. Shinn Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.