Temple University Athletics
Temple Hall of Famer and Three-Sport Athlete Victor R. Napolitano Passes Away
6.1.12 | General
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PHILADELPHIA— Victor R. Napolitano, a 1952 graduate of Temple University and three-sport letter-winner, passed away on May 18, 2012. He was 83.
“Vic” was a standout while donning the Cherry and White from 1949-52. A member of the varsity soccer team, he bolstered the Owls' defense with his imperviousness in goal, helping the team to an undefeated season and the school's first of two National Championships. The sensational run was closed out in front of the largest crowd ever to attend a soccer game in U.S. history with a miraculous 2-0 victory over San Francisco University, who had won 40 consecutive games entering the match. In 2009, Vic, along with legendary head coach William “Pete” Leaness and his fellow teammates were inducted into the Temple Athletics Hall of Fame.
While working on a degree in physical education, Vic was also a key member to the baseball program, guided by head coach Pete Stevens. In his senior year, the short stop from Trenton, N.J. served as the team's captain before going on to sign with the St. Louis Cardinals. Spending three years in the organization, Vic played professionally for the Hamilton Cardinals, Lubbock Hubbers, Richmond Virginians and the Roswell Rockets before accepting his first teaching job in 1956 at Pennsbury High School, where he spent 36 years teaching health and physical education. He coached the baseball team for 29 years—guiding the Falcons to 403 wins.
During the 1950-51 basketball season, Vic helped the Owls to a 12-win season under Pete Stevens, as he saw action in six games, where he had 16 points.
Vic, who was born in 1928 and a 1947 graduate of Trenton High School is the son of the late Frank and Josephine Napolitano. He is survived by his wife of 53 years E. Virginia Napolitano, daughters Vicki (A.J.) McAllister, Lauri (Jose) del Rio and son-in-law Timothy Ford. Vic is also survived by eight grandchildren, his brother Paul (Mary) and several cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.
A memorial mass will take place Saturday, June 2 at The Villa Victoria Academy Auditorium (376 W. Upper Ferry Rd., Ewing, N.J.) at 11 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made in Victor's name to Villa Victoria Academy.
PHILADELPHIA— Victor R. Napolitano, a 1952 graduate of Temple University and three-sport letter-winner, passed away on May 18, 2012. He was 83.
“Vic” was a standout while donning the Cherry and White from 1949-52. A member of the varsity soccer team, he bolstered the Owls' defense with his imperviousness in goal, helping the team to an undefeated season and the school's first of two National Championships. The sensational run was closed out in front of the largest crowd ever to attend a soccer game in U.S. history with a miraculous 2-0 victory over San Francisco University, who had won 40 consecutive games entering the match. In 2009, Vic, along with legendary head coach William “Pete” Leaness and his fellow teammates were inducted into the Temple Athletics Hall of Fame.
While working on a degree in physical education, Vic was also a key member to the baseball program, guided by head coach Pete Stevens. In his senior year, the short stop from Trenton, N.J. served as the team's captain before going on to sign with the St. Louis Cardinals. Spending three years in the organization, Vic played professionally for the Hamilton Cardinals, Lubbock Hubbers, Richmond Virginians and the Roswell Rockets before accepting his first teaching job in 1956 at Pennsbury High School, where he spent 36 years teaching health and physical education. He coached the baseball team for 29 years—guiding the Falcons to 403 wins.
During the 1950-51 basketball season, Vic helped the Owls to a 12-win season under Pete Stevens, as he saw action in six games, where he had 16 points.
Vic, who was born in 1928 and a 1947 graduate of Trenton High School is the son of the late Frank and Josephine Napolitano. He is survived by his wife of 53 years E. Virginia Napolitano, daughters Vicki (A.J.) McAllister, Lauri (Jose) del Rio and son-in-law Timothy Ford. Vic is also survived by eight grandchildren, his brother Paul (Mary) and several cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.
A memorial mass will take place Saturday, June 2 at The Villa Victoria Academy Auditorium (376 W. Upper Ferry Rd., Ewing, N.J.) at 11 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made in Victor's name to Villa Victoria Academy.
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