Irene Napoli

Irene Mary (Mamrak) Napoli, 91, of Exeter Township, formerly of Reading, passed away Sunday, May 5, 2024. She was the wife of the late Frank S. Napoli. Born in East Reading, PA, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Mary (Bialek) Mamrak.

Irene 's education commenced at St. Mary's Parish School, two blocks from the family house on Spruce Street. Her early lessons were in Cyrillic (written) and Polish (spoken). She later moved on to Central Catholic High School and was a graduate of the Class of 1950.

In her mid-teens, to help contribute to the family income, Irene was employed by Berkshire Industries as a hosiery "pairer", matching the appropriate length sock to another. This would continue in later years with employment at d"Orsay Knitting Mills, and then Camp Industries. She met her beloved Frank during high school, and they were married in 1951.

After the birth of their first son in 1955, plans were made to purchase a house in Northeast Reading on Mulberry Street. This births of second son and first daughter occurred while the family lived on Mulberry.

After arrival on Mulberry, Irene's social life thrived, being introduced to new neighbors, and especially her best friend, the late Joyce Shirk, of Spring Street. The two of them became active in St. Joseph Parish Mother's Club, along with mutual friend, Marge Flemming, operating the Strawberry Short Cake stand at the annual parish summer block party. She was also a Den Mother for Cub Scout Pack 5. It was during this period she did a short stint at Western Electric, UT testing gold bars, used in wire for triggers to immolate the godless Soviets.

She and Frank would enjoy a happy life on Mulberry, until the death of Frank in 1990.

Irene is survived by her children: Annemarie McDevitt, widow of Daniel, and Salvatore M. Napoli, husband of Donna. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Andrew, Gian, Dylan, Christina, Elizabeth, Patrick, and Maggie, as well as her great-grandchildren; Adrianna, Isabelle, Josephine, and Frank. She was predeceased by her son, Andrew, in 2020, a sister, Frances Cronan and a brother, Frank Mamrak.

Visitation with family and friends will be held on Friday, May 10, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with services beginning at 11:00 am in Lutz Funeral Home, Inc., 2100 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading, PA 19606. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to FREEDOM CENTER FOR ANIMAL LIFE-SAVING READING, 1801 N. 11th Street, Reading, PA 19604. Lutz Funeral Home, Inc., is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.LutzFuneralHome.com.