Lights of Peace Flag for September, 2026 to Honor the Memory of LTC Joseph F. Napoli US Army Vietnam War Veteran

During the month of September, the 84th Lights for Peace flag to fly at the Fort Taber–Fort Rodman Military Museum honors the memory of Joseph Francis Napoli of Marion, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army who served his country with unwavering devotion from 1953 to 1976. As his family shared, “What began as an obligation soon became a calling.” Joseph was born on January 4, 1932, in Brockton, Massachusetts, and according to his obituary, was raised in Worcester as part of a “proud immigrant family”. He grew up deeply connected to his Italian heritage, something he celebrated throughout his life, while remaining even prouder of the country he would go on to serve for more than two decades. LTC Napoli was drafted into the United States Army on December 17, 1953 in Springfield, MA, at the age of 21, during the Korean War. He quickly rose through the enlisted ranks to Sergeant. After deciding to make the Army his career, he attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery in April 1955. LTC Napoli went on to serve a long and distinguished military career with assignments throughout the United States and overseas in Germany, Italy, Korea, and Vietnam. He commanded units at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas; Fort Devens, Massachusetts; Germany; and Korea. After 23 years of service, he retired from the U.S. Army on October 1, 1976, at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His military awards and decorations included the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, and Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation. According to his son, Joseph, his father continued a “life of service,” as a Junior ROTC instructor at New Bedford High School, following his military retirement. There, he became an institution in his own right, mentoring and helping shape the lives of countless young men and women. “Many former cadets credit him with influencing the course of their lives

through his discipline, encouragement and unwavering belief in their potential.” LTC Napoli and his wife, Lucy, settled in Marion, Massachusetts, where he became a fixture in the community and a trusted friend to many. He believed strongly in civic pride and service and worked tirelessly on behalf of the town he came to love. Through his involvement with the VFW, he played a key role in championing the transition of the former VFW Post building to the Town, helping create what is now the Marion Community Center. He also chaired Marion’s ambulance drive and the Marion Town Party and served on the Marion Planning Board and the Old Rochester Regional School Committee.

His commitment to veterans and preserving their history remained an important part of his life. LTC Napoli served for more than 20 years with the Fort Taber–Fort Rodman Historical Association and the Military Museum & Veterans Memorial in New Bedford. According to his family, Joe was also well known around Marion for his restored vintage military jeep, which he proudly drove in the Fourth of July and Memorial Day parades each year, celebrating the country he served and loved. Joe was also an avid winemaker; a passion rooted in his Italian heritage. He took great pride in making his own wine, but even greater pleasure in sharing it. Friends and neighbors who stopped by the Napoli home rarely left without lively conversation and a bottle of Joe’s homemade wine. Joseph Napoli was predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, Lucy. He is survived by his four children; sons Peter and his wife Debby Napoli, Joseph and his wife Carolina Napoli, and daughters Angela and her husband Mike Reid and Stephanie and her husband Mark Perreault; ten grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; extended family, and countless friends who will miss him deeply and remember him with affection and gratitude. According to his obituary, LTC Napoli, “will be remembered for his strength of character, his compassion for others, and his unwavering devotion to those around him. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the community that embraced him, and the many students and friends w hose lives were enriched by knowing him.”