Manahawkin Man Killed In Fiery Crash, Hit By Speeding Driver: Cop

A beloved 64-year-old businessman from New Jersey who loved to fish and ride his motorcycle was killed in a fiery crash this week when his bike was struck by a speeding driver, according to police.

Ralph Napoli of Manahawkin was riding his motorcycle on I-95 in Brevard County, Fla. at about 7:45 a.m. on Sunday when the speeding car rear-ended the motorcycle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Anthony Keyes-Walls, 21, of Titusville, Fla. failed to slow when he struck Napoli's motorcycle, police said. He also was driving "aggressively," police said.

The motorcycle went off the roadway and struck a tree, briefly catching fire, police said.

A blood sample was dawn from Keyes-Walls, police said. All charges will be pending the completion of the invesigation.

Napoli's obituary said he was "was tragically taken from his family ... while doing exactly what he loved, riding his Harley," according to an obituary from the Thos. L. Shinn Funeral Home in Funeral home in Manahawkin.

Napoli was attending the Daytona Bike Week with his son Dominic and some friends when the tragedy occurred, according to the obituary.

An experienced rider of 13 years, Ralph was looking forward to spending the week in Daytona, so much so that he endured the early morning frigid 14 degree weather while leaving New Jersey on his Harley, according to the obituary.

Ralph is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Karen, as well as many survivors including his devoted children: son, Dominic, and his wife, Jennifer; and his daughter, Denise Gant, and her husband, Jesse; and his 3 precious granddaughters and grandson, "all of whom were the apple of his eye."

Napoli was born in Caltanissetta, Sicily, moving to America when he was 6 years old. His parents settled in Newark and then East Hanover. Ralph and Karen lived in Fairfield where they raised their family, and he owned and operated NAPCO Truck and Auto Repair in both Caldwell and Fairfield until he and Karen moved to Manahawkin., according to his obituary.

Once settled in Manahawkin, he started NAPS Dockside Marine where he was a Marine Mechanic. Ralph held his captain license and enjoyed sailing on his boat, the Net Prophet.

He was an avid fisherman, fishing especially for game such as tuna, Mako Shark and Mahi-Mahi. He also enjoyed traveling and cruising with Karen, according to his obituary.

"One of his favorites past times was sitting in his backyard, drinking coffee, watching the ducks go by. He loved to just sit and watch life," accordng to his obituary. "For one season, he drove the safari truck at Great Adventure in Jackson. It was a time of many laughs and good memories for him and his family."

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 23 at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 450 Radio Rd., Little Egg Harbor.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph’s name may be sent to the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation, PO Box 4886 Mooresville, NC 28117, ATTN: Emily Brown, or online at martintruexjrfoundation.org To leave online condolences, please visit www.shinnfuneralhome.com

The Thos. L. Shinn Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.

This is a developing story. Patch will have more information as it comes in.