American Legion Honors Chaplin, Naming Auditorium

By Fae Casper, American Legion

The members of the Frank P. Dorris American Legion Post 145 are holding a dedication ceremony on Saturday, June 4 to honor Rev. Jesse Napoli. The main hall will be dedicated as the Rev. Jesse Napoli Memorial Auditorium.  The public is invited.

Rev. Napoli served as Post 145 Chaplain for more than seven years and also served as Chaplain at District and State level.

He was born September 5, 1915 in Cleveland, OH. Rev. Napoli served in the U.S. Army as a Medical NCO from 4 May 1943 to 14 Aug 1945 advancing to the rank of Sergeant prior to his promotion to 2nd Lieutenant. He served as a Medical Administrative Corps officer until his discharge on 24 August 1946.

He married Martha on June 4, 1940. They have 4 children, Jesse, Jr.; Theresa Davis, Martha Bush,  and Christine Napoli. The family moved to Georgia in 1966. 

Rev. Napoli was ordained a minister in 1975. He served as Minister at Emanuel Baptist Church in LaFayette, Georgia where he was the lead organizer for the Empty Stocking Fund and was named Legionnaire of the Year by the Post.

He served as Associate Minister at from 1989 until his death in 1999.

He has 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.