David Lee Napoli was born July 4, 1929 in Chicago Heights, Illinois. He worked many summer jobs while growing up and he graduated from Bloom Township High School in 1947. He worked for the Illinois Central Railroad for three years in the auditors office. During this time, he had two years in the Naval Air Reserves. In 1950 he enlisted in the Air Force attaining the grade to Sgt. During that time he was stationed at the following Air Force Bases: Lackland, Shepard, Chanute and Luke. He entered into pilot training in 1952 and in 1953 he received his officer’s commission of 2nd Lieutenant and his pilot’s wings.
During his time as an officer and pilot, he was stationed at the following bases: Hondo, Webb, Craig, RAF Molesworth, RAF Alconbury, McConnell, MacDill, Ben Guerrero, Morocco, Moron, Spain, Castle, Minot, Pleiku and DaNang, Vietnam and Wright Patterson. During the 29 year career, he was awarded the Bronze Star, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the Air Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal, along with several other citations. He flew 115 combat missions. His crew had the honor of launching a missle from a B-52 over a test range. In his career, he flew many types of aircraft, including T-6, T-28, T-33, F-80, L-20, C-47, OV-10, B-66, B-45, B-47 and B-52.
While stationed in England he met AF Nurse, 1st Lieutenant Shirley Filochowski. After dating a year, they were married in Huntingdon, England in 1959. He retired from the Force in 1977 from Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio at the rank of Lt. Colonel. He and family moved to Kansas City, MO, where he became Operations Manager at the Kansas City International Airport. In 1980 he joined Rotary, serving Rotary in many capacities, including the position of District Governor 1996-1997. In 1994 he retired from his airport job and enjoyed his retirement golfing and volunteering at the World War I Museum and Memorial.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Shirley Napoli; three children: Alan Napoli (Debbie) of Independence, MO, Janine Petersen (Ken) of Arvada, CO, Michael Napoli (Melody) of Fort Worth, TX; seven grandchildren: Kyle Petersen, Nathan Petersen, Robert Napoli, Ryan Napoli, Jacob Johnson, Zachary Napoli and Lachelle Watkins (step); and two great grandchildren; sister De and brother-in-law, Hank Dewey of Chicago Heights, IL; and sister-in-law, Judy Woytovich of Laurie, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Albert and sister-in-law, Ann Napoli.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at St. Therese Catholic Church, 7207 NW Highway 9, Kansas City, MO 64152. Fr. Randy Sly presiding. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to Rotary Foundation and May be left in care of the Meyers Northland Chapel in Parkville. Memories of Dave and condolences may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.
