Obituary of Andrew R. Napolitano

Andrew R. Napolitano, age 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 18, 2022. He was the devoted son of the late Francesco Napolitano and Catherine (nee Havlin). Andrew was the beloved husband of the late Geraldine P. Napolitano (nee McGuire) for 63 years. He was the loving father of Geraldine Lucadamo and her husband Stephen, Andrea Vizzotti and her husband Emanuel and Andrew Napolitano Jr. He was the cherished grandfather of Suzanne Rossi (Christopher), and Emanuel Vizzotti. Andrew was the dear "Papa Nappy" to his great grandchildren, Gavin, Carter, Brennan, Finley, Grace, Mark, Brady and Luke. He was also privileged to enjoy the love of his extended family, Kathleen Lucadamo (Clemente Lisi), David Lucadamo (Doreen), Lisa Vizzotti, and Michele White (Ward). Andrew was the youngest and last surviving of all 9 of his siblings Peter, Frank, Dominick and Michael Napolitano, Helen Domante, Angelina Wicinski, Florence Moliterni, Laura Kocian and Jenny Garcia. He was the fond brother in law of Thomas Kocian and Muriel Napolitano. Andrew is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Andrew was born and raised in the Mariner's Harbor area of Staten Island. He was a graduate of Port Richmond High School. It was there he met and fell in love with his high school sweetheart Geraldine McGuire who he later married and enjoyed 63 loving and devoted years until her passing in 2018. Andrew also attended the former Staten Island Community College. He was drafted into the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956, serving in Germany with the 1st and 9th Infantry as a private first class. He was so proud to serve with "The Big Red One". After serving his country honorably he returned home and soon after became a firefighter with the city Fire Department. He started his career at Ladder 7 in Manhattan. After 11 years, he transferred to Ladder 86 on Staten Island, and in 1977 was promoted to Lieutenant, assigned to Ladder 118 in Brooklyn. Six years later he came to Ladder 157 in Port Richmond until his retirement in 1986. In 1963, Andrew was awarded the Frank W. Kridel Medal of Valor for rescuing a young girl from a burning apartment building in Manhattan, for which his family was so proud. He had a keen intellect and was well rounded on many subjects. He kept informed of current events and enjoyed engaging in conversation about them. Andrew was a charter member, former President and current Treasurer of the Granite A.C., a proactive sports minded organization supporting the youth of Staten Island for decades. He was a loyal member attending the club meetings every Friday night. It was there that he enjoyed his many lifelong and treasured friendships. Andrew was a devout Catholic attending mass at Blessed Sacrament Church every Sunday. Andrew's greatest joy was spending time with his family. They would enjoy many vacations together such as cruises, trips to Italy and summers at the Jersey Shore. Andrew was the patriarch of his family and was loved, admired, honored and respected by his entire family and all who knew him. He enjoyed a life well lived and will be dearly missed, and always remembered. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Andrew's memory to The Granite A.C. 716 Port Richmond Avenue Staten Island, NY 10302. Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Wednesday, departing at 9:15 AM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church at 10:00 AM. A private cremation will follow. Family and friends may visit on Monday, 3/21/2022, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM and Tuesday, 3/22/2022, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM.