Nancy L. Napolitano passed away on January 6, 2018 at Calvary hospital in the Bronx after a brief but aggressive bout with cancer. She was the devoted daughter of Pauline Napolitano and the late Michael Napolitano, Jr. and is survived by her brother, Michael Napolitano, III, his wife Catherine and their children, Matthew, Gina, Michael and grandson, Christian.

Nancy, or Nance, as she referred to herself, was born in East Meadow, LI where she was raised until the age of 11 when the family moved to Huntington. She attended parochial elementary and public HS school and went on to graduate from Michigan State University. Always a hard and diligent worker, her career in textiles and fashion began soon after graduation until most recently as an account executive at August Silk in New York City. She took her career very seriously and was a consummate salesperson – she knew her lines like she knew her name. Nancy was passionate about the things she loved. There was no halfway in only full throttle. She loved to travel, making dear friends along the way. And she was a talented cook and baker who could be depended upon for her amazing desserts including her much-anticipated annual batch of Christmas cookies. She was a deeply religious person to whom service was an important adjunct of her life. Volunteering for more than 15 years at God’s Love We Deliver in SOHO every Thursday night after a hard day at work, she took pleasure helping decorate birthday cakes and prepping meals for their clients. But she found her true calling, after moving to Riverdale 10 years ago, as a catechist – teaching Sunday school to the children of St. Gabriel’s parish. Nancy was totally committed to the children and they to her. Nancy’s personality was personified by her beautiful smile. She leaves countless friends who will remember her as always interested in their lives and concerns. Despite her illness she would ask about your weekend, your family, your vacation. She never complained about the hand she was dealt but soldiered on, always hopeful that she would beat the horrible disease that took her in less than three months. No obituary of Nancy would be complete without the mention of her love and devotion to her parents. The death of her father was a difficult and profound loss. And in the years that followed her dedication to her mother, Pauline, set an example for all of us as we charter the course of aging parents. Those of us who have had the privilege - albeit at this sad junction - to spend time with Pauline, have gotten to know a strong, stoic and loving woman who has borne the brunt of losing a child with grace and compassion.

It is not difficult to understand where Nancy got her grit, her beautiful smile and the twinkle in her eye.  Nancy may you Rest in Peace.

Reposing Wednesday 2-5 pm at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Avenue at West 261st Street, Bronx.  Mass of Christian Burial also on Wednesday at 6 pm at St. Gabriel's Church,  Netherland Avenue and West 235th Street.  Interment Thursday 11 am at Greenfield Cemetery, Uniondale, NY. 

In lieu of flowers donations in Nancy's memory to God's Love We Deliver, glwd.org or St. Jude's Research Hospital , stjude.org would be greatly appreciated.