John Napoli
John Napoli, 59, of Soulard, passed away unexpectedly on October 24, 2021 after a brief illness.
John is survived by his loving husband, Dustin Norman, and devoted companion, Oliver.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Tony Napoli, Sr. and Barbara Napoli (nee Glover); his sister and brother-in-law Diane (Danny) Steidley; and sister-in-law Pat Napoli. Loving brother of Tony (Skip) Napoli, Jr., Mary Ann Libbert, Debbie (Rick) Shelton and Cheryl Napoli. Adoring uncle, brother-in-law, great uncle, cousin, godfather, and friend.
John, owner of Studio Napoli, was a talented and successful hair and make-up design artist who graduated from Excella Beauty College in 1983 and went on to become an educator at Redken 5th Avenue NYC where he worked with some of the best designers in the business. John was not only a designer of hair and make-up; he dedicated his talents in other areas such as photography and floral design to his friends and family for their special occasions making their events memorable. From first haircuts for babies, weddings and runway shows, to final haircuts for longtime clients, John made people feel beautiful inside and out.
It cannot go unsaid that John’s quick wittedness, willingness to say things that others were thinking, and overall sarcastic, but loving, personality will be missed beyond measure.
Services will be held on Thursday, October 28th at St. Louis Cremation: 2135 Chouteau Ave., St. Louis, MO 63103 at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Toys for Tots in John Napoli’s name.
https://www.toysfortots.org/donate/forms/tribute/Default.aspx
John (Johnny) was my cousin. He made celebrations special when we were growing up. I always looked forward to our dances. Love you to the moon and back cousin. The world is a sadder place without you. RIP
I second what Kim just said about our cousin Johnny, as we knew him when we were little. What I remember most was that he was kind to me as the youngest of our quartet and never left me out or left me behind if I was having trouble keeping up. He was kind to his aunt Millie, too, who used to brag about him. Although I didn’t see John very much as an adult, I know he never stopped being a kind sweetheart of a man.
Uncle Johnny,
Oh how I miss your voice , your laughter, your infectious smile..
I will never forget when you and I lived together what an amazing time we had and the memories we shared ..
I love you xoxo
Jennifer Rhine
Dustin, Mary Anne, and Debbie, there are no words I can say that will ease your pain. It takes time before it’s not raw anymore. We are all better for knowing John. I never left him without feeling good. For over 30 years, John was a part of my life. He went from stylist to friend, to little brother in quick succession. He was family. In 1989, John gave my daughter, Claire, her first haircut when she was 3, and 6 weeks ago, he gave my 3 year old grandson his first cut. Like, John…full circle. I will miss the laughter, tears, and wonderful conversations I shared with John. Rest In Peace, dear friend. Know that you are loved. I’ll miss you forever. Oh, I’ll be waiting for those dimes.
John was the very best of humanity. His generosity was immense. His baking was superb! We made each other laugh. He knew me well and told me things about myself that I was surprised he knew. Time with John was very special and each time I left wanting to stay longer. It was wonderful he and Dustin found each other to love and share life.
John was my friend. I loved him dearly. I will love him forever and I will miss him for the rest of my life…
John was an amazing hair designer, dear friend, caring community member. He was always there to listen, advise or provide a shoulder..
Some of my best days/nights were my appointments with him as we navigated through life together. He had a kind and generous heart.
He will be missed dearly, I am so blessed to have know him.
My deepest condolences to Dustin, Debbie, Maryann, and Johns entire family. He loved you all, and he felt your love.
John was a true renaissance man. His profession as hair stylist is but one of many talents John possessed. Johns creativity knew no bounds, whether they be in his glorious garden, his photographs, his art, his love of cooking, floral arrangements, entertaining, …but his greatest talent was his generocity. I think we all felt our friendship with John was special. He made a point of making you feel you were important to him, remembering birthdays, never failing to ask how my girls were, my little grandsons, always genuinely interested in what was going on in their lives, and remembering. We shared our triumphs, heartaches, TV and movie recommendations, and lots of laughter. There was nothing we couldn’t tell one another. Every time I left, John walked me to my car, we’d have a big hug, and say “love you”. Same with our late night messaging. We were both night owls. I lived away from St. Louis for seven years, returning two years ago. Somehow, John didn’t seem 1000 miles away. John would send me all I needed for color, how to mix and a video tutorial on application for my husband. It was hilarious hearing them “talk shop”.
Johns passing will leave a permanent void in my life. I will never not miss him. But, I will cherish our friendship, and hold John in my heart forever.
Rest In Peace, my sweet pal.
Dear Dustin & The Napoli Family ???? I met John
Through my Best Friend Michele Mallette Sherman. It was a pivotal point in my life and John became part of it . John was a gentle man with love & kindness in his heart he shared with all who had the pleasure to know him ! He became a friend and when I visited St. Louis I would try too visit with him each time I was in town . He made the world a better place ! I will miss you Johnny, and never forget you . You will be in my heart and memories forever. ????????
Dear Dustin and the Napoli family, I don’t think I was John’s oldest client but may have been one of his most ‘tenured’ ones. I’ll never forget going up to a second floor rear balcony in Soulard to get my hair cut and colored! He has been my stylist, and friend, for 35 years and I treasure the conversations we had in our hours together. We would talk about everything – and everyone – and his “conspiracy theories” about things always left me thinking “Hmmm, he may be right”. His talent was obvious from the way he styled hair and makeup to his seeming never ending quest to “reinvent” an item he was ‘upcycling’ (often involving paint!) and the back yard oasis he created never ceased to give me peace. He loved his family fiercely, adored his puppies endlessly and never failed to make me feel valued as a client and a friend. I will miss you always John and am grateful you were a part of my life. We’ll meet again I hope and I’ll get to ask, “Hi honey, how’s your hair?”
John, I will miss our conversations where we solve all the problems of the world. If I was happy or sad or somewhere in between, you always knew what I needed. Creative, talented, and loving are not enough adjectives to describe you. You always have a project going and we talk about it. I was so happy when Dustin became part of your life. You are such a good doggie Dad. I can’t Imaging not having you keeping me looking good. Since Special Features on Park Ave. you have been a friend and confidant. Love you John and I’m looking for my dimes.