Diane Lili Napolitan
June 26, 1938 ~ June 14, 2023
Diane Lili Napolitan (née: Colwell), age 84, of Morristown, passed surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday June 14, 2023. Born in Teaneck, NJ at Holy Name Hospital, and formerly of Englewood, NJ; Wyckoff, Saddle River and Tewksbury, NJ; Barters Island, ME; and Morristown, NJ. Diane was the owner and head chef of The Upper Crust Restaurant in Flemington, NJ. She was an accomplished artist of many media: painting, needlework, collage, etchings and multi-media works. She was a concert-level classically trained pianist, traveled extensively throughout her life, learning the languages of many of the countries she visited including Finland, France, Spain and Germany. She was a graduate of Beaver College (now Arcadia University) with a degree in English. She worked at Conde Nast upon graduation and grew her love of literature exponentially, encouraging all her children’s intellectual and artistic journeys as artists, creators and thinkers. Diane lived life boldly and with great courage. Her talents and passions were shared joyfully and in abundance with everyone who knew her. Those fortunate enough to have attended a party hosted by Diane will remember them as extraordinary events. Daughter of the late Joseph and Paula Colwell, and sister Judy. Loving wife to Paul Napolitan, cherished mother to her children Gregory, Hope, Joel and Lisa and mother-in-law to Patricia, Lorraine and Simone. Beloved grandmother to Christopher, Chase, Rebecca, Dylan, Brett, Cassidy, Graham, Giorgio, Gabby, Livia, Alina and Emilia Mae; great grandmother to Caraleigh, Isabel, and Atticus.
The family will receive family and friends on Saturday June 17th from 1:00 – 5:00 PM at the Frank A. Patti and Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home, 327 Main Street, Fort Lee, NJ “opposite the Fort Lee Library”. A service there will start at 4:30pm. For condolences, directions, or information www.frankpatti.com or call (201) 944-0100
Donations may be made in Diane's memory to the "Cancer Research Institute."
Services
Funeral Service: June 17, 2023 4:30 pm
Frank A. Patti & Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home
327 Main Street
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Memorial Visitation at Funeral Home: June 17, 2023 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Frank A. Patti & Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home
327 Main Street
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
I have wonderful memories of Diane and her warm personality. She was a fabulous and energetic woman who loved to cook. She contributed to our church activities at Lamington Presbyterian before moving to Morristown. . I send my love to the family . May God be with you and hold you close during this difficult time. Barbara Pereyra
Dee was the hostess with the mostess on Barters Island, Maine for a number of years. She added so much to our Barters Island Bookies book club as she always found something literary in our selections. Paul and family, I am so sad to hear this news of Dee and have wonderful memories of you on Barters. I will miss her interesting emails every so often too.
With my sympathy,
Pat Schubert
I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear first cousin, Dee Neapolitan. Her mother, Paula, and my mother, Lille, were sisters of Finnish descent, and our families spent much time together during our younger years. Dee and I managed to keep in touch throughout the passing years including Christmas cards and notes from time to time. And she always remembered my birthday, 12345. We cherished our occasional visits along the way including our trip to Maine and Long Boat Key in Florida. She was a special part of my family and I will love and miss her all the days of my life. Warm condolences to Paul and all in her family throughout this difficult time.
Love you, Mommy. Forever and ever.