March 10, 1930 - February 21, 2015 Paul Vincent Napier died peacefully at his home in Sherman Oaks, CA February 21st, 2015 at the age of 84. He was born March 10, 1930 in Rochester, NY. He graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Industrial Labor Relations. Napier served as an army lieutenant during the Korean conflict from 1954 to 1957. He began his career as a hockey announcer and radio broadcaster. His acting career spanned more than 50 years, appearing in more than 400 commercials along with numerous TV and film credits. In 2010 he received Screen Actors Guild's highest service award recognizing his nearly three decades of dedication as a Vice President, on the board of directors, a chief contract negotiator and founding producer of the SAG Awards Show. Napier's greatest passion was youth sports. Beginning in 1968 and up until this year he coached 77 teams over 46 years in Pop Warner football, high school football (Notre Dame, Windward, Campbell Hall), Little League baseball and basketball. He was a positive influence on the lives of hundreds of young athletes. Paul is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Marie Bonady Napier, his three sons Michael, Mark, and Scott, daughter-in-law Kim, Vicki Giordano, as well as three grandsons Jake, Luke, and Bryce. Napier is also survived by his brother Jack, 92 years old, from Buffalo, NY. A memorial Mass will be held March 21st at St. Francis De Sales Church in Sherman Oaks, CA at 10:00am. Immediately following is a Celebration of Life Ceremony at The Sportsman's Lodge in Studio City, CA from 12:00pm to 3:00pm.

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Published by Los Angeles Times from Mar. 12 to Mar. 15, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Napier

Sponsored by Paul M. Napier.

37 Entries

Paul M Napier

March 6, 2023

Paul's beautiful Marie joined him in December. I know they are off on another great adventure together. Bless them both.

Stephen Santos

March 25, 2020

I took Paul's UCLA extension commercial acting class twice! He was a great instructor, always went out of his way to help you, and I learned much from him. Best of all, he was a wonderful person. In life, we meet many people, but usually only very few who move you and you never forget. Paul was that kind of person.

Larry Tate

August 9, 2015

I hear you MrDent! Coach Napier will always be remembered in this football home for his ability to stretch the potential of all his athletes. His famous quotes will inspire us all for years to come.

Clark Dent

August 9, 2015

Remarkable that 6mos have flown by since Coach Napes has departed.Not a day goes by w/o a Coach quote popping in my mind. "Keep your head down son" "Wrap him up big fella" "When the going gets tough the tough get going" "Son, u MUST understand the principles" Coach Napes, we miss u!

June 22, 2015

My sweet friend, I miss you so and miss our talks and all the fun we had over the many, many years that I knew you. This seems so surreal as I thought you would just go on forever. Boy you sure did know how to keep a family together and I was so proud to be apart of the Napier Family. Bless you always Paul. Fly free. Be Free. Stay free always. I love you, Shelley

Rev Charles Mallon

June 21, 2015

A remembrance Mass will be held Mon,6/22, in honor of the late Paul V Napier. Church of the Visitation, Bronx, NY. All those in the area who knew this fine family man and talented actor are encouraged to attend.

Will Bartholemew

May 31, 2015

I agree w Ms Vicki. Paul Napes was the sweetest gentleman I have ever met. Paul was also a man w a fabulous sense of humor. And smarts! This Ivy Leaguer was brilliant.Paul should receive immediate Sainthood status.

Reed

May 27, 2015

Its very strange not seeing Paul in front of his home of half a century. Coach was a constant on the Davana/Murietta strip.We all miss Paul so very much. May he rest in peace.

Vicki Giordano

May 21, 2015

I can't believe it was 3 months ago, today, since you passed. I still think about you all the time. I miss your stories and your laughter. But, most of all, I miss you... One of the sweetest gentlemen I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.

Love you,

Miss Vicki xoxo

Lt Francis Grismerello

May 3, 2015

I recently returned from an over seas assignment and was shocked to get this news. Of course we must all go when its time but Coach Napier? I almost thought this Saintly man was beyond the inevitable. The loss that we all had is the gain for the heavenly population.

2004

April 24, 2015

Jerry Eastman

April 23, 2015

Miss you every day Brother Paul. Are you coaching in heaven?

Ali Napier

April 10, 2015

We will all miss you very much Uncle Paul! You had a special way about you that allowed you to make everyone feel special. You truly were a 'people person' and all that knew you were able to experience your light.

Love you,
Ali

Hank Milner

March 28, 2015

Paul Napier was a fine actor.He was in the very small percentage that earned a comfortable living. And he was in an even smaller percentage of youth coaches that had an impact on those he taught. A volunteer little league coach for many years, Paul coached several kids that went on to successful MLB careers. But Paul's greatest passion was football coaching. As an employee @ Notre Dame high school in the late 70's, Coach Napier led his JV Knights to consecutive league titles.His 40yr run of Pop Warner coaching turned out future stars Charles White, Erik Kramer, Abdul Lateef, and countless others. He even coached his son Scotty Napier through all levels culminating in Scotty playing Div 1 college ball and a brief pro look.Later father and son switched roles w Scotty being head coach @ Windward for 10 yrs w Paul being Def coordinator. What a great man Paul was as he taught So Cal youth for 50 yrs. He has handed off the clipboard and headphones to Scotty. The football playing youth of So Cal remain in good hands, thanks to a great one.

Sam L

March 24, 2015

We all miss you Pauly. It really hurts. Not a day goes by that your kindness doesn't pop into my mind. It will be like that every day, for the rest of my time.

suzanne adrion

March 23, 2015

May the light shine upon you, Paul.

Herman Incoznitious

March 23, 2015

God Bless Coach Napes. RIP! Thank you for all you did for us. See you on the other side.

Lucas Williams, Jr.

March 21, 2015

Paul you will be missed, you always inspired others to achieve more and to do so with a with a lot of class, elegance, and passion.

Highest regard,

Lucas

Leroy R

March 20, 2015

Mr Napier will be greatly missed.I'm now in my 80's and was not always around to raise my kids decades ago. Mr Napier was like a 2nd father to my boys Leroy jr and Ray. In addition to teaching both of them how to play football Mr Napier went way way above and beyond his coaching duties helping both grow into much finer young men then I was at the time. I am forever grateful to Mr Napier.

Anonymous

March 18, 2015

Today when we turn on our local news we are regularly hearing horror stories about coaches n teachers annoying kids. Paul Napier will be sorely missed not only for his coaching n teaching skills, but because he was such an outstanding man. For half a century in addition to his own kids, he taught, counseled, and helped thousands n thousands of kids. Did anyone ever hear anything negative about Paul Napier? Did Paul ever say anything negative about anybody? Of course not! I sincerely hope all that stuff they taught us about if u live a good life u will have eternal happiness is true. Because if anybody deserves eternal happiness based on the way they lived their life it is Paul Napier

Eric

March 18, 2015

CORRECTION: THE SPORTSMENS LODGE PAUL NAPIER CELEBRATION OF LIFE IS FROM 12NOON -3PM. I earlier posted it starts @3pm. Sorry.

Keith Jones

March 17, 2015

Coach Napier was my coach in pop warner and little league. He taught me the fundamentals of both sports.It was cool playing a baseball game then going home and see him be Mr Goodwrench on TV. Coach kept me in line. Thank you Coach N for all you did for us.

Eric

March 16, 2015

Paul Napier may have passed, but his life lessons will live on.Whether guest starring on Hart to Hart, or coaching future Heisman winners, this outstanding man was the finest gentleman I have ever met. Lets all celebrate Paul's life at one of his regular hangs, the Sportsmens Lodge on Ventura just east of Coldwater. Its happening this Sat, 3/21/15 @3pm. Many of Coach Napes students of life w share what his greatness passed down to them. God bless Paul V Napier

Mark La Cava

March 16, 2015

Have a peaceful journey Mr Napes. It is hard to think such a vital man is gone. All the La Cava's wish the Napier family our deepest sympathies.

Sheila

March 16, 2015

In Gods care.

Ken

March 16, 2015

We have lost a great one. One of the finest actors ever to read a script, Paul was always looking to help others. My condolences to Marie, Paul's 3 sons and 3 grandkids.From all of us at SAG, RIP big fella.

Aquinas 1948

Aquinas Alumni Office

March 16, 2015

God Bless our Aquinas Brother

suzanne adrion

March 15, 2015

Uncle Paul was the most family oriented person I ever met. We will all miss his wit, sunny disposition, charm, and talent. Keep smiling in heaven, Paul. We love and will never forget you! Sue and Charlie.

Marilyn Andolino

March 15, 2015

Paul sounded like a very lovely man. I know his niece Suzanne Adrion was so saddened by his death. Sincere condolences to Suzanne and family. Marilyn and Lou Andolino

Joe and Mary Cameron and Family

March 15, 2015

Paul was an outstanding individual.. very caring, and responsive to all who knew him. He was such an engaging personality that it is difficult to believe that he has passed on.. It seems that people, including us, keep looking forward to our next encounter with him. He certainly left an indelible mark on all of the communities in which he was involved.

God bless the entire Napier family.

Rest in peace, Paul.

Paul Napier

March 15, 2015

~ Peace

Frank Csiszar

March 15, 2015

RIP Coach Napes

Jana and Paul Davis

March 15, 2015

Paul and I are so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends! He was a dear friend to the Northridge Knights as well as the Valley Youth Conference. Without men like Paul will to give their time and energy there would be no youth sports in our community! He always lead by example and that example with humility, honesty and class. God's blessing on Paul and his family. He will be greatly missed.
Jana and Paul Davis

Tom Gilmore

March 15, 2015

My prayers are with the Napier family, in particular my dear friend Jack.

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