SOUTHBOROUGH – Charles K. Napoleon, 80, a long-time Southborough resident, passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2024.
Charles was born in Boston, Massachusetts on August, 26th 1943 to Nicholas Napoleon and Betsy Petrakes. He is survived by his wife, Palmira “Pam” (Cedrone) Napoleon, his son, Alex Napoleon of Douglas and his daughter, Nicole Jaworski, and her husband Nathan of Berlin.
At a young age, Charles discovered his passion – retail. He would work his way up to become one of the youngest managers at Woolworth Department Store, overseeing many employees. One of those employees was to become his beloved wife, the woman he would spend the next 58 years married to.
His knowledge and passion for retail would lead to the opening his first gift store in Ashland, MA “Nappie’s Galleria” and would be followed by a lifetime of accomplishments and success. Eventually, Charles would open his dream store “The Yankee Gift House” in Marlborough, MA, which he owned and operated for 35 years.
Eventually, Charles decided to retire and take a step back, but anyone who knew him knew he couldn’t stay away from the hustle and bustle of retail for long. It was at this time he began working alongside his family as the retail consultant for “Tatnuck Bookseller.” It was there that he put 15 years of his knowledge and passion into transforming this store into the one of the most beloved and recognized gift and bookstores in the area.
Besides owning and operating his own retail stores, he was a highly sought after retail consultant and volunteer, responsible for some of the most beautiful stores in Massachusetts and the surrounding areas. His love and passion earned him a reputation where he was known for being a fair and honest businessman and admired for his work.
In his free time, Charles was an avid reader and history buff, building a massive library over the years with an extensive knowledge of world history.
More than being an amazing businessman and retailer, he was the best father and husband anyone could have asked for. His love for his family was his greatest gift and he was happiest just being with his family, laughing and joking. He was a gift for everyone who knew him and had the respect and admiration of so many. He was truly a “legend” in his field and a “superhero” as a father and husband.
Visiting hours for Charles will be held on Wednesday, February 7, 2023, from 4:00-7:00PM at the Morris-Johnston Funeral Home, 40 Main St., Southborough. A funeral service will be held in the Funeral Home on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 11:00AM. Burial will follow at Southborough Rural Cemetery, 11 Cordaville Rd., Southborough. For more information, visit www.morrisjohnstonfh.com.
Donations may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute by visiting https://www.dana-farber.org/.
