Alphonso Napoli
Waterbury teacher, coach
WATERBURY - Mr. Alphonso "Al" Napoli, 88, of Meriline Ave., died Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2006, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was the widow of Jeannette (Langway) Napoli.
Mr. Napoli was born Nov. 21, 1917, in Waterbury; son of the late Nicolo and Grace (DiPierro) Napoli. Al was a graduate of Crosby High School, Central Connecticut State College and the University of Connecticut, graduating with a master's degree. He was a teacher in the Waterbury school system for over 30 years until his retirement. Al taught at Westside middle school and Hopeville grammar school where he coached baseball and basketball, and coached track at Kennedy High School. He was a member of the Odd Fellows and the YMCA. He was an Army veteran and a communicant of St. Leo the Great Church.
He is survived by a son; Brian Napoli of Waterbury, three daughters; Catherine Mascolo of Waterbury, Bonnie Szantyr of Morris, and Robin Peveri of Harwinton, and a sister; Josephine Giglio of Waterbury. He also leaves four grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Dear Blue Devils,
I had the opportunity to get to know Al Napoli since the establishment of the CCSU Alumni Track Club, his passion for CCSU Athletics was overwhelming. Al would be the first one to call us on the phone and ask if we needed help at the home cross country events. Sadly a spot at the finishline will be empty for seasons to come, there Al would congratulate each runner, no matter what team they represented, they all recieved accolades from him. On one occasion I had the opportunity to introduce Al to a few runners two years ago at an Alumni event, as we sat in Detrick Gymnasium where we were suppose to be watching a basketball game, Al had other plans. He sat and talked Track & Field with the two runners, asking them what there PR's were then quickly comparing them to a laundry list of runners that he had coached with The Dean years ago, I don't think a minute of the game was watched. He was old school, he remembered this campus before it blossomed into what it is today. He also remembered CCSU Track & Field as an undefeated squad, Penn Relay Champions, when it was promminent and feared in the region.
Al was a true Blue Devil, and not only did he love the sport, the school, but he understood what it was to give back. Each month we recieved a donation from Al, and that shall continue in his memory. As a Alum of this University which gave me so very much I will be giving back to it, and I ask each of you to do the same. Each month for the next 10 years I will be sending in a check for $20 in memory of Al Napoli, above and beyond my regular donation to CCSU, this will be divided evenly for both programs. Although it seems like a small amount, this over 10 years time is $2400, which the program can use as they see fit. I challenge each of you to find a amount in which you can afford and pledge to CCSU Track & Field in memory of Al Napoli. As the program looks towards the future it remembers the past but also needs your support, your contributions will go towards improving the aspects of the program that attracts highly recruited student-athletes to CCSU. I thank you all in advance for your donation, have a Happy Holiday season.
Sincerely,
Sean P. Delaney
Former Assistant Coach
CCSU ' 04
