Rodney W. Napier, a former resident of Wyncote and a well-known author, thought leader, veteran, and former Temple University professor, died Saturday, April 6, of prostate cancer at KeystoneCare in Wyndmoor. He was 87.

According to the Inquirer’s obituary, Mr. Napier “traveled the world conducting workshops on conflict resolution, personal growth, and group dynamic,” including South Africa during apartheid and in post-Sandinista Nicaragua with the Chamorro administration.

“All his work was purpose-driven and even when it wasn’t philanthropic, he was helping leaders be the best for their followers, and getting people’s voices heard and making sure their work was collaborative,” his daughter Amma Napier said.

Mr. Napier and his wife, Sandra Folzer, joined the African American Institute and lived in Ghana for two years to teach geography and coach athletics at the Okuapeman Secondary School, his obituary said.

After earning a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, he moved back to Philadelphia to teach at Temple University and later moved to Wyncote.

A private celebration service will take place May 22.

For the full obituary, you can click here.

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Photo: murrayfuneralhome.com