Francesco J. Nappi

Frank J. Nappi passed away peacefully at his home early on the morning of December 13th at the age of 96.  

Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Durante and Mary (Iasimone) Nappi.

He was a WWII Army veteran who served as a field medic. He earned several medals during his service in the armed forces, including The Bronze Star. He worked for Shaw Motors as a truck driver and proud member of The Teamsters Union for over 37 years, doing daily deliveries from Providence to Boston. It was in Boston that he would meet the love of his life, Anna Rossi. Frank and Ann were married for 67 years and had 3 beautiful daughters: Maryann, Arlene, and Theresa.

Mr. Nappi loved Frank Sinatra and he and his wife Ann saw him perform at the Fontainebleau in Miami in the 1950s. Some of his favorite things to do were listen to Sinatra, watch sports, and talk about the old days. He was also a huge fan of the Boston Red Sox and was very happy that he got to witness their historic championship run after so many years of heartbreak and misery.  

A fond memory the family will always cherish is the great Thanksgiving holiday just a couple of weeks ago.  Festivities began by going around the table with each person saying what they are thankful for. This one was special because we all knew it would most likely be his last and it was an opportunity for all to share some nice thoughts about each other. It was a fantastic day of family, food, drink, and music and he enjoyed himself thoroughly.

Mr. Nappi was predeceased by his wife Anna in 2016 and is survived by his 98-year-old brother Mike, his daughters Maryann Nappi of Warwick, Arlene Nappi-Della Selva and Theresa Kiernan of Cranston, his sons-in-law Anthony P Della Selva and John F Kiernan, and his beloved grandchildren Kaitlyn and Mitchell Kiernan, Olivia Nappi and Gianna, Talia and Anthony M. Della Selva. He was a brother of the late Joseph Nappi.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, December 17 at 9:30 AM in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 128 High Street, Wakefield. Burial with Military Honors will follow at RI Veterans Cemetery. It is requested that masks be worn in the chapel at the Veterans Cemetery.

Mr. Nappi was a generous contributor to St. Jude Hospital for Children. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

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