Dorothy M Caprio

Dorothy “Dotty” M. Caprio, 72, formerly a resident of Carlstadt, NJ for 40 years, who moved to Waretown, NJ in 2009, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2019, with her devoted husband, Lou Caprio, Jr. at her side.  Born at St. Francis Hospital in Bronx, New York, on August 10, 1946, to the late David E. Cooney and Dorothy Cooney, the family moved to East Rutherford, NJ, where she graduated from East Rutherford High School in 1964.   
At the age of 13 years old she met the love of her life, her soul mate, Lou Caprio (or as her father called him, “the skinny guinea”). The couple married on April 30, 1966, at St. Joseph’s Church in East Rutherford, NJ,  and remained married for 53 years.  Anyone who knew them should have bought tickets to their “show” - they could have been a double act in any casino in Atlantic City or Las Vegas (two of her favorite places).

A devoted mother to sons David, Michael and Marc, her world revolved around guiding, loving and being there for them through good and bad times.  Having lived in a house with four men - a testosterone overload - she was thrilled at the birth of her first and only granddaughter, Jessica Ann. The birth of her grandsons Matthew, Owen and Jack - bringing three more boys into her life - made her world complete. She was a pro having had lots of experience with raising three sons!  Nothing filled her heart with more joy than to be with her husband, sons, grandchildren and daughter-in-laws Concetta Caprio and Jennifer Caprio, and son-in-law, Randy Slovacek.

Never a materialistic person, Dotty loved three things - her family, her friends and her faith.  Sunday dinners and barbecues were the norm at her home.  And no one could make better meatballs than Dotty - no contest!!!!  Just ask ANYONE who had the joy of eating at her home.  She loved nothing more than being surrounded by her family: her siblings Barbara Stampone, Cathy Pennino, David Cooney; sister-in-laws: Marie Caprio and Nilsa Caprio; brother-in-laws: Michael Caprio, Pat Caprio, Richard Stampone; and her nieces and nephews: Louis & Sharon Caprio, Gina & Nick Sarraco, Michelle & Ralph Avelino, Lisa & Anthony Spina, Richard Stampone, Craig Stampone.  No birthday, anniversary or special occasion was ever missed. Her greeting cards would arrive like clockwork - sharing her love and happiness for whatever occasion was being celebrated. 

Dotty was a teacher by trade, but also by nature. She taught people to be kind, loving and forgiving.  Those instincts would lead to 18 years as a Special Education Teacher's Aid for 18 years in the Carlstadt Public School System (retired 2010). Not a week would go by - even years after her retirement - that someone who reach out to her and share how much of an impact she had not only on her student’s lives - but their families. With an open heart and a desire to help others, she changed lives and made them better.

She was beautiful singer who loved to dance. If you saw her at a wedding or family function you had the joy of watching her and Lou kick up their heels and rock out to “Paradise by the Dashboard Lights.” Fred and Ginger had nothing on Dot and Lou. And, when you needed an ear, she was always there for you - pulling no punches and just telling it like it is.

When not calling her family or visiting them at various functions from baseball and basketball games with her grandsons to recitals with her granddaughter, Dotty loved spending her children’s inheritance at the Borgata in Atlantic City. And they encouraged it - it brought her joy - and she deserved every ounce of that joy!

Dotty’s family always came first. Nothing brought her more joy than sitting around the dining room table with her family, laughing, eating and of course, her wine.  Dotty loved a nice glass (or three) of wine.  So we raise a glass to her - whether your called her wife, mom, grandma, “Mrs. Cap,” Dotty, Aunt Dotsy or friend - Dotty’s love, kindness, laughter and smile will live with us all forever.  Her faith, even during the darkest of times kept her positive - she would say “when God wants me, he wants me - when your number’s up, your number’s up."  Well, he called her number and now she has moved on to her paradise in heaven and is reunited with her beautiful mother and father.  She will forever be loved and missed. We take solace knowing that Dotty’s bright light and spirt is now watching over all of us.  There will never be a more beautiful angel. We will miss you...

Donations to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre
https://www.wellnesswalkresearchrun.com.au/my-fundraising/119/michael-caprio
 

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