Ralph Leroy Napolitano

ESTERO, Fla. – Ralph Leroy Napolitano (a.k.a. Butchie, Uncle Butchie, Boopie, Grampy Ralph) 82, of Estero, Fla. passed away unexpectedly but peacefully surrounded by his loving wife and family on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, in Naples, Fla.

He was born Jan. 20, 1943 at Queen’s Hospital, Portland, Maine, the son and first child of Eulah Vera (Works) and the late Samuel Clemente Napolitano. Ralph graduated from Cheverus High School in 1961. He attended Gorham State College (now known as USM) studying math, a subject that came easy to him. After graduation in 1961, Ralph began working and spent his career at J.J. Nissen Baking Company, a large Maine based commercial bakery, rising to Director of Trucking and Shipping.

As a teenager, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, loved cars and was a graceful skater. In later years, Ralph used his athleticism to excel at tennis and golf. He was known to have a huge sweet tooth (especially black licorice, ginger snaps and Tony’s Donuts) and loved to spend time with family on holidays making sure to sample every pie on the dessert table!

One of Ralph’s gifts was the ability to make you feel calm when things went awry. You could always count on him to be there and to have a level head in a crisis. He will be remembered too as everyone’s handyman and would show up on a dime’s notice to help you. His kindness extended to a particular empathy with animals especially dogs and horses.

First and foremost, however, Ralph loved his family and took much pride and joy in his daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren.

Though born in Maine, after retirement, he was able to fulfill his dream of moving to Florida to enjoy the sunshine and the beautiful beaches. It was here that he met and married his great love, Janet and she and her two children, their spouses and children joined the Napolitano family.

It’s difficult to sum up a much loved man in so few words. Suffice the reader to know that this man was dearly cherished by those he leaves behind.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Janet Napolitano of Estero, Fla.; his daughters Mary Jean Napolitano, Karen Collmus and her husband David, Theresa Gendron, Paula Grant and her husband Jeffery and Annemarie Napolitano; his two brothers, Samuel Napolitano and Phillip Napolitano; his mother, Eulah (100 years old!); a stepdaughter, Tiffany Nicole and her husband Cody, a stepson, Michael and his wife Joy; 12 grandchildren; six nieces and nephews; and many cousins.

Funeral service will be held at Palm Royale Funeral Home, 6780 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples, FL 34119 on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. A visitation will start at 12 p.m., burial immediately following.

Donations may be made in memory to Ralph at: Yellowstone.org