On the second day of viewing, a saddened community -- family, friends, colleagues and admirers who never met him -- came Tuesday to pay respect to beloved Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon, who died Dec. 17 at 65 from a pandemic that has ravaged the world.
Beginning at 10 a.m., people began trickling into Greater Grace Temple on West 7 Mile Road in Detroit to see Napoleon, who was in an open casket surrounded by an eye-catching floral arrangement.
"He was very popular in the city and very charitable," says Cynthia Casey, a retiree who taught at Cass Tech, Napoleon's high school. "My prayers are with his family."
A private funeral service will be livestreamed here after 8 a.m. Wednesday by Swanson Funeral Home.
Photos By Michael Lucido
Swanson Funeral Home's 1940 Cadillac LaSalle at Greater Grace Temple
Visitors signing the funeral guest book outside to ensure social distancing.
Visitors waiting patiently in line for the late Sheriff Benny Napoleon
Beautiful floral arrangements line the area inside the Greater Grace Temple
Cynthia Casey, a Detroit native and retired Cass Tech teacher didnt know Sheriff Benny Naploen personally, but knows his daughter who attended Cass Tech. "He was very popular in the city and very charitable, my prayers are with his family."
Jim Neiryak, a former colleague who worked with Benny Napoleon in the early 80's in the Detroit Police Gang Squad and Special Crimes Section. "He was a prince, always made sure the work ran smooth while handeling the books and data. He always wanted to lead and be a good example; always been a great guy."
Photo by Ron Lipson