Obituary of Fr. Michael J. Nappo

Fr. Michael J. Nappo, O.F.M., of Mount Alvernia Friary and Retreat Center, entered into rest Saturday, January 26, 2013 at Mount Alvernia Friary. He was 63. Son of the late Vincent and Carmella Katherine Sabella Nappo, he was born February 4, 1949 in Brooklyn. He was received into the First Order on August 15, 1975; he made his temporary profession on August 21, 1976 at St. Anthony Friary in Catskill; and was solemnly professed on September 22, 1979 at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Manhattan. Michael was ordained a priest by Bishop Maurus Muldoon, O.F.M., at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Manhattan on September 28, 1991. Fr. Michael was appointed guardian of Mount Alvernia Friary and Retreat Center in August of 2001. After nine years of service, Fr. Michael was named to the retreat center staff. Fr. Michael was consistently outgoing, optimistic, joyful and kind; a prayerful and devout man who deeply loved the Church as well as his family. He was forthright and dependable and always ready to help others. Fr. Michael gave of himself, without fail, to create a warm and welcoming environment wherever he lived. When not fulfilling his priestly duties, he could always be found in the kitchen. His delectable cooking will be missed by all who enjoyed the meals that Fr. Michael prepared. May Fr. Michael now rest in the arms of a loving God he served with such dedication. Fr. Michael is survived by his brother, Vincent Nappo and his wife, Lynn of New York City; his sister, Carrie Brielmeier and her husband, Tom of Long Island; his nieces and nephews, Tommy, Nicole, Rachel, Taylor, Melissa, Rebecca, Caroline, Vinnie and Megan; as well as the Friars of the Province of the Immaculate Conception. He was predeceased by his brother, Frank. A wake will be held on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Mount Alvernia Friary and Retreat Center, 158 Delavergne Avenue, Wappingers Falls. A wake service will be conducted by the Poor Clares at 5 p.m. and the Friars will conduct a wake service at 7 p.m. Fr. Michael's body will be received on Thursday, January 31 at the Shrine Church of St. Anthony 154 Sullivan Street, Manhattan. A wake will be held from 2 to 4:30 and 7 to 9 p.m. A vigil service will be held at 7:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Febraury 1 at the Shrine Church of St. Anthony. Burial will follow in the family plot of St. Charles Cemetery, 2015 Wellwood Avenue, Farmingdale. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Fr. Michael's name may be made to Mount Alvernia Retreat Center, PO Box 858, Wappngers Falls, NY 12590. Arrangements are under the direction of Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls. To send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.