Frank Caporaso

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Frank Caporaso. A life-long native of Staten Island, Frank Caporaso, 66, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones at Staten Island University Hospital North. He is now reunited in heaven with his mother, Marie Caporaso, father Anthony Caporaso, and niece Christina Musil.

Frank leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, and resilience. Frank is survived by his devoted siblings, Laurie, Philip, and Maria, and in-laws Chris and Diane. He leaves behind cherished nieces and nephews: Bridgette, Craig, Michael, Dylan, Anthony, Julianna, Patrick, Zoe, Genevieve, Ciilin, and Dominick. He is also survived by his beloved aunt, Adeline Cenci, as well as numerous cousins in the Caporaso, Cenci, Carnevale, and D’Arrigo families. Frank's tremendous group of friends, who became like family to him, will forever hold his memory close to their hearts.

Frank cultivated life-long friendships in school and on the sports fields. Frank was a gifted athlete with a passion for sports that began early in his life. His skill and determination were unmatched. Frank’s talent shined brightly as a baseball player, starting at Staten Island Little League, where he still holds the record for the most home runs hit in a half of a baseball game. For several years, Frank showcased his dedication for the game by playing on four different baseball teams simultaneously by participating in various leagues and tournaments. He played with the Granite Athletic Club, Cespino-Russo and Kells Grennie Posts, representing American Legion baseball and achieving victory on the historic Abner Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, NY.

A natural on the football field, Frank formed many of his deepest friendships through the sport, starting in elementary school and continuing into his high school years. He played with the SI Pee-Wee Football League, where on the field many of Frank’s best friendships began and continued for decades. Frank was a wide receiver and safety for Monsignor Farrell High School football team, where he forged unbreakable bonds with his teammates that lasted throughout his life. (L4L, Vir Fidelis). Even when his friends played on rival teams, mutual respect and admiration transcended competition and became the foundation of lifelong friendships.

Frank was a proud 1976 Monsignor Farrell graduate where he excelled as a “student-athlete”. His achievements as a Daily News All-Star and Staten Island Advance All-Star in 1975 and 1976 highlighted his incredible talent on the baseball field.

“Unanimous decision”, “Consistent performer” , “Hit .400”, “Is fleet of foot”, “Deadly throwing arm”, “Didn’t miss a single game”, and “Has the talent of hitting ‘em where they ain’t”.

“Caporaso can play on my team anytime, there isn’t any part of the game in which he doesn’t excel or doesn’t give one hundred percent” .

Frank received invitations to tryout for major league baseball teams while in high school and chose to attend St. John’s University from ’76-’80 on a full baseball scholarship.

After graduating from St. John’s University, Frank began his professional career in finance, working with Dreyfuss in New York City before joining Equitable Life.

In his late 20s, Frank faced an unexpected diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Despite the countless hurdles this illness presented, Frank’s strength and determination never wavered. With the heart of a lion and infectious smile, Frank continued to inspire those around him with his faith, resilience, and positive outlook on life. His unwavering will to live and the immense love he shared with his family and lifelong friends were the cornerstones of his remarkable journey.

Frank had a voracious appetite- especially for seafood. He loved music. Music brought Frank happiness and served as a source of comfort and connection. He enjoyed recalling lines from The Honeymooners and The Odd Couple. He also enjoyed playing and watching golf. He found joy and solace on the golf course, where he shared many laughs and cherished moments with his friends and family. Golf became more than just a sport for Frank—it was a testament to his enduring love for competition and camaraderie.

Most of all Frank loved his family and friends who sustained him during his long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. For decades, whether in a wheelchair or from his bed Frank inspired many by his faith, resilience and determination that was fueled by his unwavering will to live, and the love that he shared with his family and lifelong friends.

Though Frank’s physical presence is no longer with us, his legacy of strength, perseverance, kindness, and the power of positivity will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew him.

Rest in peace, our beloved Frank. Your spirit and memory will forever be a source of light and strength for all who were blessed to know you.

A wake service to celebrate Frank’s life will be held at Casey’s Funeral Home on Thursday October 3, 2024, from 5pm-9pm. A funeral mass at St. Ann’s Church, 12:30pm on Friday, October 4th, followed by the burial at Moravian Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to The Coffee House Project – Enhancing people’s lives through participatory music making regardless of their situation or abilities. www.thecoffeehouseprojectnj.org