🌲 From Forests to Courtrooms 👨🏽‍⚖️ Joseph Nappi Sr’s Extraordinary Intellectual Odyssey
OUR Virtues? — It is probable that we, too, have still our virtues, although naturally they are not those sincere and massive virtues on account of which we hold our grandfathers in esteem and also at a little distance from us.
Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
Beyond Good and Evil
In the realm I have subjectively constructed of my home town, the only home I’ll ever know, of Spokane, Joseph Nappi Sr emerges as a beacon of brilliance and a testament to the power of unwavering determination.
Born in New York, a man of Syracuse, his intellectual determinance commenced self-directed at an early age, displaying remarkable aptitude that propelled him forward.
Completing high school with years to spare, Joseph embarked on an intellectual hero’s adventure by joining the Civilian Conservation Corps, CCC you see, fulfillment of continuing his family’s spirit, an eternal odyssey west young man from soils near Rome to traversing the Rockies to a realm where deep-sea sub-tests the depths of deep-waters nestled amidst the pristine forests through which the unencumbered Priest River runs free.
Idaho, amidst the sprawling forests and rugged landscapes now enshrined through his DNA, dedicated himself to the noble task of clearing forests and constructing roads, leaving an indelible mark on the land. Destiny beckoned him further when he was awarded a football scholarship to Gonzaga, a realm where his intellectual prowess found fertile ground.
It was at this esteemed basketball institution while playing football that his dream, the love of his life and lifelong wife, Laura Colangelo enters his evolving scene, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership rooted in love and shared dreams of family.
Infamously, the call to serve his country rang loud and clear, leading Joseph to don the uniform of a Navy officer during World War II. In his ceaseless mind’s pursuit of knowledge and understanding, papa studied the Japanese language at a military school in Boulder, Colorado immersing himself in a realm of culture and communication. Following the war, Joseph’s intellectual pursuits took an unexpected turn as he became a researcher and interpreter in the Japanese war crimes trials in Tokyo.
His keen intellect and linguistic abilities were invaluable in deciphering the truths of the past and seeking justice for the victims. Returning to the familiar realm of Spokane, Joseph embarked on a new chapter in his intellectual journey. With unwavering dedication, he obtained a law degree from Gonzaga University, expanding his realm of expertise and setting the stage for a distinguished legal career.
Balancing his private practice with a profound commitment to education, Joseph became a beloved law professor at Gonzaga University, sharing his wisdom and nurturing the minds of future legal luminaries for an astounding 45 years. His impact extended beyond the classroom, as he served as the president of the Spokane County Bar Association, leaving an indelible mark on the legal community.
Today, as we reflect upon the life and legacy of my beloved papa, Joseph Nappi Sr, I honor his brilliance, his unwavering dedication to the pursuit of knowledge, and his profound contributions to the realms of law and education. His intellectual hero’s journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of resilience, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. In his realm within my memory, Joseph’s legacy shines bright, a guiding light for generations to come. May his remarkable life continue to inspire us all, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can have when driven by intellect, passion, and a profound love for learning.
Now ask yourself, what has your 16 year old son done, except for forgetting to mow the by now overgrown yard?
