Richard DiNapoli ’50, resident of Los Gatos, passed away peacefully at his Los Gatos home on Aug. 22, 2015, surrounded by his wife Lynette of 61 years, and his immediate family. He was 88 years old.
Dick was born in San Jose, CA to Frank and Edna DiNapoli. He was the eldest brother to Shirlee DiNapoli Schiro and J. "Phil" DiNapoli J.D. ’64. Dick was a graduate of Bellarmine High School and Santa Clara University and served in World War II as a Merchant Marine.
Dick was blessed with a long and successful career managing Sun Garden Packing Company. For 55 years, Sun Garden canned peaches, apricots and tomatoes in San Jose employing thousands of loyal and hardworking Santa Clara residents. Dick had a genuine interest in people and treated everyone he met with kindness and respect. When Sun Garden closed in 1994, it was the last remaining tomato processor in "The Valley of Heart’s Delight".
Along with his wife and siblings, Dick is survived by his three sons and daughters-in-law, Richard "Rick" ’77 and Julie, Rob and Karin, Matt and Gretchen, seven grandchildren Gina, Emerson, Elizabeth, Aaron, Madison, Christopher, Justin and two great grandchildren, Bowyn and Rocco; most of whom joined Dick and Lynette each and every Sunday for dinner.
Dick will be remembered for his patience, loyalty and gentile demeanor. He had a zest for life and a desire not to miss out on anything, especially if it involved family. He exited this world exactly how he lived it, with grace and dignity.