Ronald Napoliello (Ron), 81, passed away on Mardi Gras and the start of this year's Houston Rodeo, a fitting day for someone who so fully celebrated and loved life.  He was a devoted husband and a beloved father who will be greatly missed by his many family members, friends, and colleagues.

Ron was born in the Bronx, NY to Alexander Napoliello and Giovannina (Jennie) Palazzo Napoliello, and had a brother, Alex Napoliello.  His brother Alex and first cousins Michael and Francine grew up together near Arthur Avenue, Bronx's Little Italy and enjoyed the colorful Italian neighborhood, especially the tasty food and time spent with family.  Coming from a modest background, Ron was street-smart and extremely driven.  He started working right out of high school in the mailroom at Texaco in New York City, in the Chrysler building, eventually rising through the ranks to become a manager of Information Technology at the company, a testament to the American dream, the country he loved.  Always up for adventure, he moved west to Houston in the 1960s after a job transfer within Texaco, where he met his wife Linda, who also worked at the company.  Ron continued his career as an IT executive when his division at Texaco was purchased by The Associates and later by Citigroup.

An explorer at heart, Ron loved traveling and visited the majority of the United States as well as several other countries.  With a voracious appetite for the world, he enjoyed trying new foods, restaurants and coffee bars, watching new and old movies, celebrating his favorite football team (the Colts), running marathons (Chevron), gardening, going on nature walks, checking out the local wildlife (mainly squirrels, turtles, and birds), spending time with his Corvette buddies in the Northwest Houston Vettes and Rods Club, attending Sunday Mass, and simply being with his family.  Ron also shared a love for Peanuts' Snoopy and his alter ego Joe Cool with his daughter Leah.

Ron could be feisty, in a good way, as a caregiver recently said, "Good job, Mr. Ron.  You're a fighter!"  He was a joyful warrior, keeping a positive attitude, with a smile and laugh, despite any challenges.

He was a happy and kindhearted person, with a great sense of humor, eager to lend a helping hand, always looking on the bright side of life, and a bright light to everyone who knew him.  All who knew him loved him.

Ron joins his parents, Alexander and Jennie, and his brother Alex, in Heaven, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws.

Ron is survived by his wife Linda and daughter Leah, his niece Alexis and nephew Brad, his Uncle Vincent, several cousins, and multiple friends.  We will miss him immensely but celebrate his joy, kindness, and fun spirit.

A mass for Ron will be held on Saturday, April 5th at 10:30 am at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Houston, TX, in their Mary Chapel.