Court employees celebrate retirement of Fran Napoli

July 11, 2016 By Rob Abruzzese Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Court employees celebrated the retirement of Frances “Fran” Napoli, a senior court reporter for 34 years, during a party at the courthouse on Friday. Eagle photos by Rob Abruzzese

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Employees at the Kings County Supreme Court celebrated the retirement of Frances “Fran” Napoli, a senior court reporter, during a party held at the courthouse at 360 Adams St. in Downtown Brooklyn on Friday.

“Fran has become more than a friend to me, she’s like my big sister, definitely my work wife and she’s been such a dear friend who I will miss so much,” said Keith Olarnick, principal court reporter. “She’s been very important in my life; she’s one of the nicest, kindest [people] that I’ve ever met and, besides everything else, a wonderful court reporter. She’s a consummate professional and a beautiful person. I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say that we’re going to miss her.”

Napoli, who recently got married to her wife Pam Lemieux this past February, has worked in the courthouse for 34 years. She spent the last seven years working with Olarnick as a senior court reporter.

“About seven years ago I became the supervisor, Steve [Sprance] was with me, [and] we needed another person because it was crazy in there,” Olarnick recalled. “So I said, ‘Fran, do me a favor and come in for two weeks and help me out.’ Well here we are seven years later and she is…”

“Done!” Napoli interjected.

The party packed the boardroom on the 11th floor of the supreme court building as many of Napoli’s longtime coworkers and friends wanted to say goodbye. There was plenty of food, cake and even M&Ms featuring Napoli’s face as a graphic. It also gave those who are closest to Napoli a chance to let her know how they feel.

“I want to make a big announcement — all of this is fake, she’s not going anywhere and I’ve been trying to tell her this for months,” Nadonna Ferguson joked. “I’m going to miss you.

Now it’s time. Like I always say, ‘This is the Matrix,’ pull out that cord. You’ve given so much now it’s time to give to yourself.”

“We’re here to say goodbye to Fran and to acknowledge what a wonderful person she is and what a great career she’s had,” said Erika Bodnar. “I’m honored to do what I can to fill her shoes. What I would like to bring in my role as her replacement is some of that old-school sentiment that Fran embodies of us all being one big family that looks out for each other. I’ll miss your wisdom and wisecracks, your no nonsense and common sense, but most of all I’ll miss your sincerity.”

“When I think of Fran, it’s like a film of my own career because we’ve shared so many jobs in common over the years,” said Eric Pollyea. “She’s been a kind and very compassionate colleague and no matter how difficult a situation can be, she always said a few words that were so funny and always made me smile.”

“I can honestly say that in all the years I’ve worked at 360, I can say that not one single time have I seen you lose your cool,” said Rob Frankel. “We can all respect that when you’re dealing with the public, usually during the most difficult time in their lives.”

Napoli joked that she didn’t want to give a speech of her own, instead offering up a simple, “thank you,” but after hearing everyone talk she was moved to say one final goodbye.

“I’m blown away by what you guys have done,” Napoli said. “Even beyond that, I’m blown away by seeing all of you coming here today. I definitely need more stamps for Christmas this year.

“It has been the quickest ride of my life and the most intense,” Napoli said of her 34 years working at the court. “Everything that has happened in my life, I always came to work Monday and found someone to laugh or cry with me. That will never be replaced, you are all my family and you will always be with me. I cannot thank you enough for making me a better person.”