Joseph Caputo

Joe was born on April 29, 1921 in Brooklyn the son of Antonino and Grazia (Merlino) Caputo. At an early age he moved with his family to Italy where he attended school, served as a policeman and then later served in the Italian Navy. Following the military Joe went to work in the Pumice mines. In 1949 Joe came to the United States and settled in Coney Island. It was there that Joe learned his “claim to fame” of opening clams. Throughout his life Joe opened clams for hundreds of clambakes all over New York State, especially for Ernie and Vera at the Country Club and the “early” Grove Park. His technique was second to none. Joe came to Norwich with his wife, Amelia, in 1951 where he gained employment with the Maydole Hammer Factory, Bennett-Ireland and later retired after 35 years as a foreman for the Norwich Shoe Company.

Joe was a hard worker all of his life usually working 7 days a week. Even though Joe’s and Amelia’s work schedules limited the time they spent together, their love for one another never wavered. Together they worked hard, raised a family and truly enjoyed growing flowers and vegetables which they used in cooking. Joe was also known for making his own wine from grapes that he pressed alongside his friends and grandchildren. He always enjoyed a good conversation with anyone which was usually to the point, and was a wealth of knowledge. Last but not least if you ever shook hands with Joe you soon knew his strength.

On October 5, 1947 in Italy Joe married Amelia (Merlino) Caputo who passed away January 4, 2015. Their marriage lasted for over 67 years.

Joe is survived by his children Anthony “Nouch” (Susan Walker) Caputo, Richard “Rick” (Dagny Gramstad) Caputo, Grace Ann (Michael) Mooney, grandchildren Elena (Salvatore) Ficicchia, Edmond Caputo and partner Rosalyn Talmage, Bartolo (Karli) Caputo, Jessica (Victor) Silvestro, Abigail (Chris Cevasco) Caputo, John and Nicholas Mooney, along with 3 great-grandchildren Gianina Cevasco, Ramona Caputo and Penina Cevasco and daughter-in-law Kimberly Gaylord Caputo Hughes.

Besides his wife, Amelia, Joe was predeceased by his daughter Mary Jo Caputo, son Edmond Caputo, and 9 siblings.

A PRIVATE Mass of Christian Burial for Joe will be held from St. Bartholomew’s Roman Catholic Church. The Rev. Ralph A. Bove, Pastor, will officiate. Interment will be in St. Paul’s Cemetery.

Please make contributions to St. Bartholomew’s Roman Catholic Church, East Main St., Norwich, NY 13815 or to Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County, 33 Court St., Norwich, NY 13815.

Due to current COVID conditions there will be no public calling hours.

Arrangements are with the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home.