John "Johnny Knapp" Napoleon

John "Johnny Knapp" Napoleon, 97, of Kingston, died Wednesday, December 04, 2013 at his home, surrounded by his family. Born in Norwalk, CT, he was a son of the late Pasquale & Lordina Cuccaro Napoleon. John moved to Kingston in 1933 to pursue a musical career. He played the bass for many weddings throughout the years, starting at "The Barn". During WWII, he served in the USO, entertaining the troops. He served as police commissioner during the 1960's and worked for WGHQ for 26 years. He was also a member of the musicians union local 215. He is survived by his two children, John J. Napoleon and his wife Nancy of Kingston, and Nancy A. Purvis of Kingston, grandmother of Lori MacIsaac and husband Devin, Dina Ostrander and husband Michael, Erin Purvis O'Neil and husband Shawn and Paul R. Purvis; great grandfather of Ally and Kylie Ostrander, Lauren and Ian MacIsaac, Parako R. and Elizabeth Paige O'Neil. Many nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his wife of 73 years, Louise Napoleon, whom he married on May 1, 1940, six siblings, Hubert Napoleon, Anthony Napoleon, Mario Napoleon, Pasquale Napoleon, Carmela Napoleon Miller and Salvatore Napoleon. Reposing at the Simpson Gaus Funeral Home, 411 Albany Ave. on Monday, December 9, 2013 from 2-4 and 79 PM. The funeral procession will form on Tuesday at 9:15 AM from the funeral home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Church at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. The family requests that memorial donations be made in the memory of John Napoleon (Johnny Knapp Band) who had a Great love of music to Kingston High School Music Dept., 403 Broadway, Kingston, New York 12401 Attention: Mary Ella Lobianco.