Ronkonkoma, New York
Living Life His Own Way
John P. Napolitano won enough awards, medals and citations from the New York Fire Department and the Lakeland Fire District in Ronkonkoma, N.Y., where he lived, to fill a box.
And a box is where he kept them.
"He didn't have to wear medals on his chest," said his father, John. "I really admired him, not for what he did for a living, but for how he lived his life."
Lieutenant Napolitano — he was promoted posthumously — was a fireman's fireman. He showed up as an experienced rookie in 1991, having started as a junior volunteer with the Lakeland district when he was 17. He eventually became chief and commissioner there.
Robert Galione worked with Lieutenant Napolitano at Rescue 2 in Brooklyn, following him into some tough fires. "He'd go into a fire that was roaring so loud we couldn't hear anything," Firefighter Galione said. "I was right behind him humping the hose, so I know he never took a step back."
Firefighting was his life's work, but not his life. "What did he do outside the firehouse?" said his father. "That's the easiest question to answer. Being with his wife and kids. Period. End of story."
To please his two little girls, Elizabeth and Emma Rose, Lieutenant Napolitano, 33, would do almost anything. The image that sticks in the mind of his wife, Anne, is of him trying to fly a kite on a windless day to make the girls smile.
They did.
My Son I love and miss you..it is Thanksgiving, and I will forever be thankful for having you as a Son..
Before you became America's Hero you were to your Mother and I our Son..
Though you are not here you are with me..you will always be with me..
I love you my Son..I Will Never Forget..
John Napolitano
November 23, 2023 | Ronkonkoma NY, Wellington, FL | Father
I think of you often. Your beautiful smile is shining down on your family. You are their angel. You are so missed but will never be forgotten.
Pat Lehecka
September 12, 2023 | Friend
My Son I love you.. Today Mark's the 22nd year of that Day in September when Angel's and Hero Saints were made..
You made the Supreme Sacrifice and gave your life while Courageously Saving Others..
Time is a relentless enemy but it hasn't diminished your light that shines in the hearts of your Mother, Sisters, Wife, Daughters, all who knew and loved you..and in mine..
Every day I see you, I hear you..I always will..
I miss my Son and Love you..
I Will Never Forget..
John Napolitano
September 11, 2023 | Ronkonkoma NY, Wellington, FL | Father
My Son I love and miss you..Today is your Birthday..a day that is also celebrated as a Day of Heroes..You made the Supreme Sacrifice on September 11 2001 while Saving Lives at the World Trade Center, a Day of Tragedy and also a Day of Heroes.. but between those Dates you lived the Life of a Hero and Role Model to so many who knew, loved and admired you.
Happy Birthday in Heaven my Son..you are missed beyond words and as America celebrates today as a Day of Heroes and you as a Hero to...
John Napolitano
July 04, 2023 | Ronkonkoma NY, Wellington, FL | Father
My Son I love and miss you..it's Christmas, another Christmas without you yet your with me..Time goes on yet stands still..I think about you every day since that day that you gave your life while Saving Others..Your Heroism and Courage may have been forgotten by some, but I know there are those who will never forget and celebrate your life as I do..Its Christmas and you will always be my most cherished gift..
I love you my Son..I Will Never Forget..
John Napolitano
December 25, 2022 | Father
My Son I love and miss you..it's Thanksgiving, another Thanksgiving since you gave your life while saving others..your not here yet always with me..I will celebrate this day just as I celebrate all my days in thanks that you are my Son..not was..but still..for I am never without you..Happy Thanksgiving in Heaven my Son..
I will never forget..
John Napolitano
November 24, 2022 | Father
Remembering you and your family for your precious loss of your son, John and sending our deepest condolences. Some things in our lives are very painful and difficult. During these times we need God and others to lean on for support. John touched the lives of others and will always be remembered with deep love and respect.
Kindred Family
November 09, 2022
My Son I love you..it is the 21st Anniversary of 9/11..when you saved lives but lost yours, making the Supreme Sacrifice..21 years without you but yet I see you every day..You are missed beyond words..Time has in some ways stood still..for your Mother and I it is still 9/11/2001..Your Little Girls are Beautiful and successful young Ladies, you would be so very proud..So much has been missed by you, so much still to be missed..I know your in Heaven Son, I have to believe that..I have to...
John Napolitano
September 12, 2022 | Father
May your memory never fade. RIP Johnny. You are forever remembered. Your dad will Never let anyone forget who you were.
Pat Lehecka
September 11, 2022 | Friend