Frank Caputo, Jr.

Frank Caputo Jr., 87, died in his home in Cary, NC on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. He was born in Stamford, CT, the last of four children, to Susan (Biancardi) and Frank Caputo on June 29, 1934. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Rosemarie Lucia Caputo, and his siblings: Joseph, Michael, and Clara Melfi, as well as his nephew, Frank Caputo. He is survived by his four children and their spouses: Catherine Lucia-Durante (Chris) of Redding, CT, Lisa Caputo Sacco (Mark) of Cary, NC, Christopher Caputo (Karen) of Hebron, CT and Marc D. Caputo (Elke) of Suwanee, GA, six grandchildren: Alaria Longstaff (Drew), Julia Sacco (Mo, partner), Matthew, Zachary, Dominick and Eva Caputo as well as three generations of nieces and nephews to whom he was very close. Frank graduated from Stamford High School in 1952 where he lettered in multiple sports, played the sax, and sang bass in their a cappella choir. Though he attended UCONN for one year after high school graduation, ultimately, he entered the USAF where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and received the training in electronics that informed his career upon his honorable discharge in 1958. He took pride in having started in the shipping warehouse of Harvey Electronics and finished his decades-long tenure as a General Manager. Frank and Rosemarie reared their family in Norwalk for 25 years. Frank was active in community theater both on stage and behind the scenes. The Caputos were members of Shore & Country Club where Frank continued his cultivation of lifelong friendships, served on its board and was the member manager of the pool and swim team. He was an avid tennis player and deeply enjoyed summer evenings, surrounded by friends, looking out at the Sound. He learned to ski as an adult, and treasured his time on various New England slopes, particularly Okemo in VT. Frank and Rosemarie moved to Wilmington, NC in 1993 where he fulfilled his entrepreneurial dream of starting his own business. Carolina Industrial Electronics was a thriving small business for Frank and Rosemarie until their retirement from, and sale of the business to, one of their employee-partners in 2006. They had an active, community-oriented life, building for Habitat for Humanity, and volunteering for Meals on Wheels at their parish, St. Mark’s. Frank was a valued member of both church and Wilmington’s community choir. He loved nothing more than spending time at the beach, particularly with grandchildren in tow. Frank was a consummate handyman, doing most of the electrical and other repairs around the home. He taught his daughters as well as his sons to be self-sufficient in all areas of life including proper usage of manual and power tools, how to change a tire and drive a stickshift. A dedicated family man, and first generation Italian American, he and Rosemarie continued their parents’ traditions with their children and grandchildren. Frank was a participatory father long before it was vogue – changing diapers, playing with his kids after work and on weekends. It was not unusual to find him as the pitcher or quarterback for neighborhood games. As a passionate lover of music, especially jazz, his children can remember listening with him as he cared for them while Rosemarie was otherwise busy or to give her a break. Ever influenced by his tastes, his record and CD collection will continue to be enjoyed by his children, grandchildren, and newfound friends from the last months of his life. The family would like to express deep gratitude to Stella Joseph, CNA and Mariama Ceesay, CNA for the kindness, care, and dignity they provided Frank in his final weeks. Viewing will be from 9 - 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at Lacerenza Funeral Home on 8 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford, CT followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford, CT at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to your local Food Pantry or Meals on Wheels in his memory would be appreciated.