Louis P Naple, Jr.

Louis “Louie” P. Naple,  Jr. 74, of Worcester, passed away on Easter Sunday April 4, 2021 to guard the gates of Heaven. He courageously battled cancer, until the very end, when he passed with his loving wife and sister by his side.

He leaves behind his wife and soulmate, Patricia A. Naple, with whom he shared his life for 38 years; his children, Michelle Naple of FL, Michael Naple of Worcester, Marci Bartkiewicz and her husband Joe of Worcester, Pattie Racine of Charlton, Laura Ames of Shrewsbury, and Maureen Leighton of Worcester. He also leaves several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his sister Gloria Rivera and her husband Bernie of Leominster; several half-brothers and sisters; Many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  He is pre-deceased by his son, Joseph Gillespie.

He was born in Worcester, graduated from the “School of Hard Knocks”, and volunteered to serve in the United States Marine Corps in 1963 at the age of 17. He served eight years in the Marine Corps, including two voluntary combat tours in Vietnam.  All who knew Louie, knew that he was a proud Marine.  Louie worked as a machine adjuster for the New England Envelope, and MeadWestvaco over 25 years before retiring.

He was a member of the Vietnam Veterans for the Community, the DAV #4, The Marine Corp League- Blackstone Valley Detachment 911, the Worcester Vets Center, the Military Order of the Devil Dogs, the North East Mountain Men, the American Legion Post 414  Sutton, and the Auburn Sportsman Club.

Louis was an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, karaoke, playing cards, searching for sea glass at the beach, and volunteering his time at Toys for Kids and Teens. He was a sharp-shooter who never missed a target, a “chick-magnet”, and most importantly, his family’s hero. He will be greatly missed by his family and beloved wife, who loved him dearly.  “Semper Fi”

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, April 8^th from 4-7pm at Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 9^th at 11am, at Our Lady of Loreto, 33 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. Burial with Marine Honors will follow in St. John Cemetery.