Obituary of Joseph A. Capitello

DELHI Joseph A. Capitello, 91, of Delhi, died on Friday, April 13, 2012, at the home of his son in Bainbridge. He was born on September 12, 1920, in Manhattan, NY, the son of Biagio and Angela (Impollonia) Capitelli. He met his wife Vera Elise Margarete John in Germany. She moved to the US and they were married on January 2, 1948. A WWII veteran, Joseph was a baker in the Army and worked in the mess hall until he was injured. During the late 40s/early 50s he was employed by the 16th Avenue Brooklyn Bakery he also worked in Central Islip State Hospital as a baker and finally he was a letter carrier for the East Islip Post Office from 1961 to his retirement in January 1981. In 1986, Joseph and Vera moved to Delhi. They loved the area and felt comfortable and welcome. He worked in the SUNY Delhi cafeteria for a time, was a crew leader on the wall construction project in South Kortright, and held a supervisor position for many years at Delaware Opportunities. He also painted buildings inside and out during his spare time with his youngest son Ralph. Joseph enjoyed many artistic hobbies, including painting landscapes and scenery, and he also participated in ceramics classes. He enjoyed vegetable gardening and taught all his sons to provide food for the table. A very social and outgoing person, Joseph always had a good sense of humor. He was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Hamden. In 2005, Joseph and Vera lost their home to a devastating fire. With help from the Rosa Circle community they were able to rebuild. The family wishes to express their gratitude to everyone who helped and encouraged Joseph and Vera during their time of need. After Vera's death in 2007, Joseph had some heath complications, which prevented him from socializing regularly as in the past. On January 18, 2012 he slipped on ice and broke his femur along with issues from the hospital resulted in his rapid decline. Joseph is survived by his 2 sons, Richard and Paulena Capitello, and Ralph Capitello and Xun Huang; 2 grandchildren, Christopher and Giovanni Capitello; 4 great grandchildren; 4 sisters, Anna, Concetta, Lucy, and Josephine; and several nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by a son, James Joseph Capitello; and brothers, Vincent Ralph, and Michael. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 2 PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 34906 State Highway 10, Hamden, NY 13782 with Elder Stan Powers officiating. All are welcome to attend the service. Burial will take place at the convenience of the family in Woodland Cemetery, Delhi. There will be no calling hours. Condolences for the family can be left online at www.macarthurfh.com Arrangements are by the MacArthur Funeral Home of Delhi.