Anthony "Oats" Mario Napoleoni Sr., age  77, of Vero Beach FL, passed away peacefully surrounded by his close family at VNA Hospice in Vero Beach, Florida, on Thursday, June, 27th.

Born in Providence, RI, he was the son of Mario Napoleoni and Giulia (Amati) Trivisonno. Anthony Graduated from Cranston High School East and received his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Rhode Island College, with honors. He worked as an Industrial Arts teacher for many years where he was loved by his students. His patience, ability to make complex things sound simple, and passion for the things he taught, made him a highly effective teacher. His personable and loving nature made him someone his students could develop a genuine bond with. He also served for 17 years in the Rhode Island National Guard as a Helicopter Crew Chief, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant and receiving an honorable discharge.

Anthony was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman. He enjoyed hunting with his friends. His true passion was waterfowl hunting with one of his trusty Labrador Retrievers, which he was a breeder and trainer of. He loved sharing the outdoors with the people he loved. Before his nephews could drive, if they wanted to hunt, he would pick them up every weekend during hunting season before the sun came up, and take them out to breakfast afterward. He knew the real meaning of quality time and being present in someone's life, and served as a father figure to many. His presence was complimented by his loving and generous nature, wisdom and sense of humor. People who spent time with him would often find themselves laughing at his jokes, or even laughing when he was trying to be serious, because of his comical nature.

He quickly became friends with anybody he met. He always seemed to be more interested in the person he was talking to than anything else, including himself. He was someone you always felt you could talk to and he would listen, and he'd offer his honest and unfiltered opinion when you asked for it.

Another remarkable component of Anthony's life was his strong faith. He always kept his family and close friends in prayer, and would let you know he was praying for you. He would end every phone call with "God bless you" and sincerely meant it.

Anthony is predeceased by his son Anthony Napoleoni Jr. and survived by his daughter-in-law Erica (Quattrucci) Napoleoni, grandsons Nicolas and Nathan Napoleoni, brother to Maria (Napoleoni) Hoffman and Mario (Barbara) Napoleoni Sr. Anthony was also the former husband to Beverly Simone Swanson. He leaves many "favorite" nephews and nieces, and many dear friends in Rhode Island and Florida.

A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends on Sunday, July 21st from 2:00 PM - 6:00  PM at the Coventry-West Greenwich Elks Lodge, 42 Nooseneck Hill Rd, West Greenwich, RI 02817.