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Joe Eugene Caputo
1943 - 2022
Joe E. Caputo passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones after a long life well lived. Joe bravely fought Alzheimer's for the last four years.
Joe was born in Salt Lake City to Eugene Antonio and Jean Caputo. At an early age Joe found a love for sports and his childhood is filled with memories of summers playing baseball at municipal parks. Joe became the patriarch of his family at a young age when his father died unexpectedly in 1958. Growing up Joe, along with his family, spent a lot of time in Helper, Utah with his maternal grandparents. Joe loved to tell the stories of making wine by stomping on grapes with his siblings in the cellar of their house. Some of Joe's fondest memories growing up were working alongside his Nuna, Rose Lepore (whom he had a special love for), and at Liberty Park operating the amusement rides and working the concessions. Joe attended South and West High schools and excelled in multiple sports including baseball, basketball, football and track. Shortly after high school Joe bravely enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He honorably served his country for four years. Besides fighting in Vietnam, Joe also boxed and was the Marine Corps light heavyweight boxing champion. "I'll hit you with so many lefts, you'll beg for my right" was one of Joe's favorite quotes. Upon Joe's return from Vietnam, he married Anna Marie Mascarenas in 1967 (later divorced). Joe and Anna had two children, Michael Ross and Kimberly Marie. Joe was a proud father but an even more proud grandfather. Nothing gave Joe more happiness and joy in life than his seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He loved spending time with all his family and shared his love of all things Utah Utes with them.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, sister Bonnie Lucero, brother Danny, brother-in-law Jack Cornish and by three of his great grandchildren; Christopher, Allyson and Landon Caputo.
Joe will be greatly missed by countless friends and family members. He is survived by his son Michael (Jodie), daughter Kim (Kurt) Schneider, seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, sisters Toni (Phil) Maez, Joan Cornish, brother-in-law Victor Lucero and sister-in-law Gwyn Caputo; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held, Sunday March 6, 2022, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday March 7, 2022, at 11:00 am, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1058 West 400 South. The burial with committal will take place on Tuesday March 8, 2022, at 1:00 pm at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Avenue and T Street.
A heartfelt thanks to Superior Hospice (John Carlo and Renee) for their care the last couple of years. A great love and appreciation to his sister, Joan Cornish and granddaughter Ashley Caputo for the love and care they provided to him.
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Gordon Shepherd
I attended school with Joe at Lincoln Junior and South where he starred in football, baseball, basketball, and track. Before he transferred to West, Joe was chosen by the South High coaching staff as the outstanding athlete of the sophomore class. Joe had a reputation for being tough, but he was always friendly and cordial to me. It´s clear from the many tributes given in his obituary that he was an important person in the lives of surviving family members and among his many adult friends. I am especially glad to learn of how good he was with kids later in his life and how caring he was with his grandchildren. The warm capacity to enjoy children and win their genuine affection tells us a lot about a man´s character. Rest in peace, Joe. I regret not getting to know you better when we were younger and especially later in life. My loss.
Bonnie DeKorver (Crippen)
I to went to school with Joe Caputo. I remember him as a great sportsman, especially baseball. My brothers played Little League baseball and they too met Joe through sports. After graduation and during my working years I met and became good friends with Joe's wife Anna Marie Mascarenas. We both worked at Surety Life and we both had our sons at the same time. I remember when I bought my first new car right off the showroom floor; it was a 1967 Pontiac GTO convertible. I had gone to visit Anna Marie and Joe wanted to take my car on the highway and race it. I was a little leary but didn't want to be a party pooper so I went with him onto the freeway where he really opened it up and he taught me to speed shift. (I had a 5 speed transmission) and I thought he was going to blow the engine and rip out the transmission. Boy was I glad when he finished testing my car out; but I will say he was quite impressed with its performance. Fond memories for sure. You are missed Joe! Rest in peace 🌹