Francis "Tad" Napolsky of Dagsboro Delaware, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, September 20th 2025, at the age of 94.

Tad is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Marie Ihnat Napolsky, his children Michael Napolsky and his wife Jan, Ruth MacDonald, Janet Grabowski and her husband John, and grandchildren Daphne, Mark, Caitlin and her husband Dallas, Mary Rose, Daniel, and Liam. He was met in heaven by his youngest daughter Ann Napolsky.

Tad was born in November 1930 in the coal mining town of Edwardsville, PA. He knew the meaning of hard work from a young age, getting his first job on a farm at the age of 8. By age 10, he was driving the farm truck. He left school at 16 to help support his family.

Although Tad may have left school early, he never stopped learning and challenging himself mentally. An accomplished violinist, he never learned to read music, but could play almost anything by ear. He loved cars and always had a different one in the driveway He had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Tad loved to dance most of all. Everyone called him "crazy legs" on the dance floor for his ability to keep up with the often high paced polka tempo. He was skilled and handsome and was known to have a full dance card every night. But there was only one woman he had eyes for, that was Marie. They were married in April 1958 starting their family, and building their lives together.

He had many careers. He served in the army during the Korean War, was a Welder, Firefighter, a Police Officer, Town Counciler, and even Mayor (for a day) of Laurel Springs, NJ where he raised his children.

Eventually, after they both retired, he and his wife officially relocated to their summer home in Delaware. While they embraced the "lower slower" lifestyle, Tad still kept busy, helping with a welding job or two, hosting family vacations, and teaching the next generation the skills that he had learned throughout his life.

Tad always stood up to help when needed. He always had a story and had a knack for making everyone around him smile. He loved his family more than anything in this world and his grandchildren were his greatest pride. Each one was perfect in his eyes and they knew unconditional love through him. He was truly the best example of what it means to be a good man and to live a good life. His absence in this world will be felt deeply.

Services will be held on Nov 7th at 1 pm at Delaware Veterans Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE 19966. Followed at 2 by a celebration of life at The Landing in Millsboro DE.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Food Bank of Delaware. www.fbd.org .