Four Generations of Napolis Passionate About Food
The Napoli Farms Story
My Great Grandfather, Calogero
Leaving Sicily "In a hurry": Calogero Napoli
Calogero Napoli was one of 6 brothers and sisters, born in Sciacca, Sicily c.1887. The story goes that Calogero, a proud and honest young man, refused a drink offered him by a local mafioso. A fight ensued and Calogero defended himself, stabbing the man. The result was an edict issued by the Mafia: "Leave Italy or die." The 20 year old Calogero boarded the Victoria bound for America only days later... and never returned.
Settling into one of the many Italian neighborhoods of Brooklyn with his new wife, Calogero had an idea. To support his growing family he took the Rockaway Trolley line from Brooklyn and walked door to door in the dense Italian neighborhoods along 79th-110th street with 2 jugs of olive oil and a 'loaf of cheese' over his shoulders, selling them to families there. As his business and family grew, he used the labor of his young sons to load a cart that his horse pulled along the trolley track, giving him time for the occasional cigar.
Calogero Napoli was one of 6 brothers and sisters, born in Sciacca, Sicily c.1887. The story goes that Calogero, a proud and honest young man, refused a drink offered him by a local mafioso. A fight ensued and Calogero defended himself, stabbing the man. The result was an edict issued by the Mafia: "Leave Italy or die." The 20 year old Calogero boarded the Victoria bound for America only days later... and never returned.
Settling into one of the many Italian neighborhoods of Brooklyn with his new wife, Calogero had an idea. To support his growing family he took the Rockaway Trolley line from Brooklyn and walked door to door in the dense Italian neighborhoods along 79th-110th street with 2 jugs of olive oil and a 'loaf of cheese' over his shoulders, selling them to families there. As his business and family grew, he used the labor of his young sons to load a cart that his horse pulled along the trolley track, giving him time for the occasional cigar.
From Father to Sons: Napoli Bros & Napoli Foods In 1939, Antonio (Anthony) Michael Napoli bought the business from his father and brought in his younger brother Giovanni to help. Business boomed. They soon bought a bus for their deliveries and eventually grew to 13 employees and 3 trucks. In the meantime Anthony raised 3 children with his wife, Netta. Finally, in 1972, Anthony passed the business to his son Anthony Jr., his daughter Camille, his sister Phyllis and their husbands. Looking for a brighter future, Anthony Jr. left the business after four years and relocated his family to California, where he now owns a real-estate office in San Diego's Little Italy. Napoli Foods was later sold. |
The Napoli Family on their urban farm in Sherman Heights
San Diego-Raised Anthony M. Napoli III & Napoli Farms
Now this generation brings you Anthony Napoli III, 4th generation Sicilian-American and foodie by birth. He has the same love of delicious food but with a passionate commitment to health and the environment. As a manager at Whole Foods Market in La Jolla and Hillcrest for 8 years, Anthony knows a lot about the food business. As a partner with Tom King and Creekside Tropical Farms, he became a well-known figure in San Diego's farming community. Anthony III is excited to bring you Napoli Farms, a greener West-Coast version of his grandfathers' business.
And now enter Stephanie Napoli... former economic justice Organizer, Life Coach, school garden teacher and Farm to School advocate. Stephanie is excited to help school districts connect with local farmers as she educates kids on how to grow their own food!
Now this generation brings you Anthony Napoli III, 4th generation Sicilian-American and foodie by birth. He has the same love of delicious food but with a passionate commitment to health and the environment. As a manager at Whole Foods Market in La Jolla and Hillcrest for 8 years, Anthony knows a lot about the food business. As a partner with Tom King and Creekside Tropical Farms, he became a well-known figure in San Diego's farming community. Anthony III is excited to bring you Napoli Farms, a greener West-Coast version of his grandfathers' business.
And now enter Stephanie Napoli... former economic justice Organizer, Life Coach, school garden teacher and Farm to School advocate. Stephanie is excited to help school districts connect with local farmers as she educates kids on how to grow their own food!