Today my dad, Tony Napier, went Home to be with the Lord. He was the Father of Ridgewood gymnastics, bringing his expertise of the sport to
the schools in 1962. He was a gymnast for almost all of his 78 years,a PE teacher for 29 years, a coach for more than 30 years, and a judge
for 59 years. He touched many many lives in the Ridgewood school system. Arrangements are Mon, Aug. 17 from 2-4 and 7-9 at Spearing
Funeral Home in Park Ridge and Tues, Aug 18 at 10:30 at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Wash Twp for the church service. Bernadette Napier Orso
Today is a very very sad day for me and for many others. I lost my High School Gymnastics coach Tony Napier yesterday. I dont know what prompted me to call him yesterday but I did. I didn’t get that last chance to talk with him as he had passed.I remember all the great times with my coach and mentor.He has a beautiful family that I also love. He taught me persistence,dedication, and instilled in me my hard work ethic. He was a marvelous motivator and loved our great sport of gymnastics.I will miss him every day . God Bless you coach and your wonderful family . Heaven will be even a better place now that your there! Geoff Stoner
photo courtesy of Dom Nizza
I loved my old friend and the early years of his gymnastics career at Ridgewood HS . He let me help out with the Boy’s gymnastics team — and it was my honor.
Thank you for posting the news and the great picture. Mr. Napier was this commenter’s gym teacher at Hawes school in the late ’70’s. A natural athlete with terrific physical fitness and strength, he was, more importantly, an empathetic and demonstrative instructor with a knack for getting boys and girls of all shapes, sizes and aptitudes moving and learning. To see someone leaping toward the basketball rim to dunk is to recall the harrowing story that was told to explain how Mr. Napier lost his ring finger as a younger man. His wedding ring got snagged up there, or so the story went. Can you imagine. Never fazed him, or at least it must not have slowed him down for long, as far as the Hawes students were concerned. A sweet man he was, and a fantastic role model. Very nice to reflect on “one if the good ones”. Rest in peace, Mr. Napier…we’ll miss you.
One more added note
when Tony was a “student” at Lincoln HS, he used to do the floor exercise without mats. And one time when he landed too quickly on his back he snapped his head and knocked himself out.
Since that time “all gymnasts” do tricks that are a little crazy. Loved that guy.