Joseph C. Capra
DECEMBER 20, 1928 – FEBRUARY 28, 2017
ONEONTA – Joseph C. "Joe" Capra, 88, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 28, 2017, with his loving family by his side.
Joe was born December 20, 1928, in Olean, N.Y., to Chester J. and Jane E. Capra.
He graduated from Olean High School and enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving two years. Joe studied at St. Bonaventure University and then transferred to the University of South Carolina, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Economics in 1951. While at the University of South Carolina he was a member of the Universities first Air Force ROTC Graduating Class. He proudly served, from 1951 to 1953, as a Medical Supply Officer at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas, coordinating shipments of medical supplies during the Korean War.
After serving in the Air Force, he spent the next 16 years working for the W.T. Grant Company. Joe was an Assistant Store Manager in Penn Yan, NY and Philadelphia, PA and a Store Manager in Johnstown, NY, Toms River, NJ and West Caldwell, NJ. In 1969, he moved his family to Oneonta and opened a bookkeeping and tax office, Capra Business Consultants, Inc. Even though Joe retired in 1995, he continued helping in the office often. He enjoyed spending time visiting with the many clients he worked with for so many years. Joe was proud to be a Director of Wightman Lumber and Building Supplies, Inc., Portlandville, NY.
In June 1956, he met Mary Repice in Philadelphia, PA. On October 20, 1956, just four months later, he married Mary, the love of his life. Together, they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage.
Joe enjoyed vegetable gardening, nurturing his apple trees, deep sea fishing along the East Coast and in Alaska, a great love for reading and, most importantly, spending time with his family, especially his granddaughters, Sophia and Clare.
Joe always smiled and laughed, he enjoyed every moment of his life. He truly cared about those around him and he always took a moment to say "thank you".
He was a member of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Man to Man Prostrate Cancer support group, Oneonta Italian American Club and a past member of the West Oneonta Volunteer Fire Department.
Joe is survived by Mary, his loving wife of 60 years; his son Andrew; his daughter Marianne and his granddaughters Sophia and Clare; his brother Thomas (Patricia) Capra of Olean, NY; his brother in law Dominic Repice of Bonita Springs, FL; his sister in law Susan Spadea of Glen Mills, PA; his brother in law Ernest (Angela) Repice of Media, PA and many nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased in death by his son, Joseph R. "Joey" Capra, Jr. and his parents, Chester J. and Jane E. Capra.
Friends are invited to call on the family from 5 to 7p.m., Monday, March 6, at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand St., Oneonta.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:15 a.m., Tuesday, March 7, at St. Mary's Church, 39 Walnut St., Oneonta, with the Rev. David Mickiewicz, pastor, officiating. A reception will take place in the Parish Center following the Mass.
Interment will be in the spring at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Emmons.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made the Joseph R. Capra Welding Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box C, West Oneonta, NY 13861
Condolences or a special memory to the family may be made at www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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