Daniel Gregory Napoleon

Daniel Napoleon, the son of the late Daniel (Pete) Napoleon and Dr. Thelma J. Napoleon-Smith, was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the age of 54.

Born in Trenton, NJ, he was a lifelong and beloved member of the community. From a very young age, he was a proud member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Trenton and, recently appointed as a member of their Trustee Board. After graduating from Willingboro High School in 1988, he went on to attend Kean University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. There, he was an active member on campus, serving as president of the Student Government and becoming a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in Spring 1990. Dan furthered his educational pursuits by earning a Masters of Business Administration in Public Administration, from Rutgers University-Newark.

Being of service to his community was a passion for Dan. He was involved in many community efforts throughout his life and made friends wherever he went. Dan worked for the Mercer County Improvement Authority for over 20 years where he served as Chief of Recycling and Director of Environmental Programs.

Dan's love for baseball followed him from the tee ball fields through high school and eventually to the softball fields, where he made lasting memories and lifelong friendships. Additionally, one of his true joys and pastimes was being a member of the Cafe Tropical crew.

Dan passed on his love for baseball, basketball and soccer to his three sons whom he coached and supported both on and off the field. His boys and his wife were at the center of his world and filled him with the joy and laughter that fueled his soul. You could find Dan and Sharon every weekend "coaching" or watching their sons play a variety of sports - all the while smiling and beaming with pride.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel Napoleon and Dr. Thelma Joyce Williams Napoleon-Smith and his brother, Jeffery Napoleon.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Sharon Napoleon; three sons, Daniel Napoleon Jr, Brandon Napoleon, and Dylan Napoleon; sister, Lisa Napoleon-Salgado (Andrew); niece, Noel Salgado; stepfather, Marcellus D. Smith Jr.; uncle, Lt. Col. Arnold B. Williams Jr. (Augusta); godmother, Beverly Hill; goddaughter, Jumaris Daniela Hernandez; and a host of cousins and countless friends whom all loved Dan dearly.

Dan acknowledged several special people in his life because he understood that God sent them into his life for a purpose. Most especially, he would want to acknowledge an angel on earth, Molly Flynn Gray, his selfless kidney donor (3/30/2022). Molly afforded Dan the gift of time and he was forever grateful.

He was many things to many people, but most of all he was just Dan… a man of Christ, husband, son, brother, father, uncle, friend, and colleague whose impact as a person was undeniably bigger than his stature, grander than his laugh, and stronger than his hugs. He touched the lives of so many near and far and he will be missed.