Joseph Napolitano

Joseph T. Napolitano, long time residence of St. James and Smithtown, passed away on November 16, 2020.   Joe was a loving husband to Carol and devoted father to Joseph and Laura, Daniel and Patricia, and Michael, and proudest Pa to Sophie, Madison, Noah, Cole, and Ella.  Joe was a “favorite” uncle, brother, and friend to many.

Joe retired from the Suffolk County Police Department after 27 years of service, achieving the rank of Detective Lieutenant.  He was a graduate of the FBI National Academy and worked numerous high profile investigations throughout his law enforcement career.   Joe had second careers in teaching and the banking industry, where he always displayed dedication and commitment to the task at hand.  Joe spent his retirement volunteering at the Guide Dog Foundation, where he and Carol raised six dogs or fostered dozens more over the years.

While raising his sons, Joe was deeply involved in the Boy Scouts of America.  Father to three Eagle Scouts, Joe was a former Scout Master of Troop 349 and Cubmaster of Pack 373.  Camping was a regular activity in the Napolitano household while Joe and Carol raised their boys.  Joe also served in the Army National Guard, achieving the rank of sergeant. 

Joe’s greatest loves were his family, his friends, his dogs, and his carpentry workshop.  He was known for his attention to detail, not only in his craftsmanship but in his way of life.   With fond memories of the house on Goodyear Lake, Joe and Carol always made everyone feel welcome and at home.  Joe will be missed by many.

Please join Joe’s family in memorializing him on Sunday, November 22, 2020, from 4 - 8pm at the St. James Funeral Home, with a mass on Monday, November 23, 2020, at 10:30am at Saints Phillip and James Roman Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Guide Dog Foundation of Smithtown to foster a dog in Joe’s name is requested.  https://www.guidedog.org/gd/gd/gdf_donatenow.aspx

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.