Resident of San Jose

Shirlee Marie DiNapoli Mulcahy Schiro, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend—passed away peacefully on September 28, 2024, at the age of 95. A caring, spirited, generous woman, Shirlee will be remembered for her gracious personality and deep love for her family and friends.

Born in San Jose, California, to Edna and Frank L. DiNapoli, Shirlee was the younger sister of the late Richard L. DiNapoli (Lynette) and is survived by her dear younger brother J. Philip DiNapoli and his wife Jennifer. She attended Saint Patrick School and Notre Dame High School in Downtown San Jose. Shirlee graduated from Dominican College in San Rafael and became an English teacher at her high school alma mater, which might explain why she could complete the daily crossword puzzle well into her 90’s.

Shirlee managed her busy life with grace, devoting her time and attention to both personal and professional interests. She worked alongside her father, brothers, and partners in San Jose’s historic canning industry at Sun Garden Packing and Mayfair Packing.

Shirlee has always been proud that her brothers and their families continue to be in business together, share family holidays, as well as memory-filled vacation homes in Watsonville, Stockton, and Palm Springs. She collaborated with her children to build a successful real estate portfolio that contributed to the growth of Willow Glen’s Lincoln Avenue, restoring buildings and iconic signage, in the San Jose neighborhood where she raised her children. Her work ethic, dedication, and sense of loyalty to her family’s business and “keeping everyone in the boat” was a testament to her strength and determination.

Shirlee was married to Paul Edward Mulcahy with whom she had five children, and Henry Anthony Schiro, welcoming his two daughters to her family. Both husbands predeceased her. She was a devoted mother to her seven children: Tim Mulcahy (Vicki, deceased), Erin Mulcahy Stein (Robert), Brian Mulcahy (Cindy, deceased), Paula Mulcahy Keane (Tom), Stephanie Schiro Ronco (Steve, deceased), Dominica Schiro Gotelli (Doug), and Michael Mulcahy (Kimberly). She was the beloved “Noni” to her nineteen grandchildren: Nicole Mulcahy Jeffrey (Justin), Frankie Mulcahy, Tucker Bryan (Daniela), Julian Stein (Genevieve), Jamie Stein (Monika), Elizabeth Pfiffner (Matt), Anthony Gotelli (Leah), Oliver Stein, Alexandra Kringas (Andrew), Mason Keane, Joey Gotelli (Taylor), Mackenzie Keane, Brian Mulcahy Jr., Claire Mulcahy, Conner Mulcahy, Isabella Keane, Ella Mulcahy, Mario Ronco, Camille Mulcahy, and six great-grandchildren.

Her nephews Rick (Julie), Rob (Karin), Matt (Gretchen), John (Melinda), and Jason (Deirdra) DiNapoli and their families were all important to her.

Shirlee was passionate about giving back to her community. She set the example for what it means to give selflessly, never searching out the spotlight. She volunteered her time and contributed to countless organizations, especially Children’s Musical Theater San Jose, Valle Monte League, Ladies of Charity, Notre Dame, Saint Christopher, Presentation, Bellarmine, Little Italy SJ, Italian American Heritage Foundation, Steinway Society, and San Jose Jazz Society.

Shirlee had a distinct flair for fashion and decorating, and her ageless appearance—highlighted by her enviable head of hair and always the right color lipstick—left an impression on all who knew her, or simply just met her. She believed a pop of animal print somewhere in every room or outfit made it more stylish. As outwardly glamorous as Shirlee was, it was her internal beauty and humility that stood out. Shirlee always showed up, found the perfect gift, and understood the Emily Post rules of etiquette, such as you never leave before the cake gets cut. Shirlee was a San Jose booster at her core, she spent her entire adult life in Willow Glen, and most notably at the family’s HQ on Dry Creek Road. Her presence, loyalty, and unconditional love will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

A Public Visitation will be held on Friday, October 4,2024, 11:00 am –12:30 pm at LIMA-CAMPAGNA-ALAMEDA MISSION CHAPEL, 600 South Second Street, San Jose, CA 95112. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, 2:30 pm at SAINT CHRISTOPHER CHURCH, 2278 Booksin Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Shirlee’s honor to scholarship funds at Children’s Musical Theater San Jose (Joey@cmtsj.org) and Notre Dame High School.