PEORIA, Ill. – Bradley University is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved figures following the passing of Joe Napoli Sr., a Bradley Athletics Hall of Famer, former Braves baseball standout and lifelong supporter of Bradley University and the Peoria community.
After serving four years in the United States Air Force, Napoli came to Bradley and played third base for the Braves from 1957 through 1960. As a senior, he led the nation with a .490 batting average and earned First-Team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors, finishing his Bradley career with a .392 batting average.
Despite receiving tryout invitations from Major League Baseball organizations, Napoli chose to pursue a career in law. He attended John Marshall Law School in Chicago before returning to Peoria, where he built a distinguished legal career and taught law courses at Bradley through 1989.
Napoli was inducted into three halls of fame — the Bradley Athletics Hall of Fame, the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame and the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.
He was also a fixture at Bradley basketball games, known for his front-row seats and warm presence.
Bradley President James E. Shadid remembered Napoli as someone who embodied what makes Bradley special.
“Joe Napoli was more than a familiar face in his front row seats at Bradley basketball games — he was part of what makes Bradley feel like family,” Shadid said. “His warmth, friendship and unwavering love for Bradley and Peoria will be deeply missed.”
Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Chris Reynolds said Napoli’s impact extended far beyond his playing days.
“Joe was a tremendous advocate for Bradley University, our student-athletes and the Peoria community,” Reynolds said. “His loyalty to Bradley and the relationships he built across generations will be remembered for years to come.”
Bradley Athletics extended its condolences to the Napoli family, his former teammates, colleagues and friends.
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