Helen Marie Napolitano's Obituary
Helen Marie Napolitano, 86, of Gainesville, Florida, passed away on June 28, 2021, after a brief illness.
Helen was born on August 26, 1934, to Anthony Joseph and Mary (nee Orlich) Harris in Astoria, Queens Borough, New York. After graduating from Munsey Park High School in the 1950s, she went on to major in English at Sweet Briar College in Virginia and Florida Southern College in Lakeland.
In the winter of 1954, she met Angelo Napolitano in New York, and they wed on February 26, 1955, going on to have three children, Debra, Andrea, and Marc.
After honeymooning in Miami, Florida, Helen and Angelo moved to Miami in 1955. They were partners in Acme Concrete, Inc. Helen had a lifelong love of boating and being near the water from her father, Andy. Helen and her husband went on to become real estate developers in the Miami area. In 1983, Helen moved to Ocala, Florida where she spent her time breeding thoroughbreds and founded Scarlet Ribbon Farm, LLC – her greatest love except for her grandchildren - until her retirement in 2013. After her retirement, she relocated to Gainesville, Florida to be closer to her daughter, Debra, and her children.
Helen was predeceased by Angelo. She is survived by her children, Debra (Kevin) Crum, Andrea Napolitano and Marc (Mindy) Napolitano, grandchildren, Christopher (Jennifer) Lopez Carey Lopez (partner Susan Mantela), Stephanie Crum, Paige Jagel, Cane Napolitano, Christian Napolitano, and Jo Napolitano and great-grandchildren, Chloe Lopez, Noah Lopez, Alexander Anderson, and Charlotte Anderson.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at 10:00 A. M., in the Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 10900 SW 24th Avenue, Gainesville, with Fr. Al Esposito, celebrant. The family will receive friends on Friday, July 9, 2021, from 4 to 6:00 P. M.., in the Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Westarea, 823 NW 143rd Street, Newberry. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ASPCA or to the Humane Society of the United States
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