Joseph R Capurso

Joseph R. Capurso, 92, formerly of 12 McRae Ct , a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away Thursday, October 8th, 2009, at Holy Trinity Nursing Home with his family at his side. Joe was born in Worcester, on October 6, 1917, one of ten children of the late Raffaele and Anna (DeFeudis) Capurso. He graduated from Commerce High, then entered the U.S. Army during World War II to serve his country. Joe married his wife, partner and great love of the past 68 years, Irene (Razzano) Capurso. Joe worked as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, a job he would hold for 33 years before retiring. During that 33 years, Joe reported to work enthusiastically enjoying every minute and earning the praise of the Postal Service throughout his years. In 1967 Joe was awarded the 1st ever Special Achievement Award given to a letter carrier; in 1978 he received a citation from Governor Michael Dukakis for his volunteer efforts towards the retired, elderly and handicapped. Upon retirement Joe was awarded a plaque from his mail route customers for outstanding service, loyalty and devotion. He was later recognized by Worcester Mayor Thomas Early with a Key to the City and in 2006 received a Meritorious Service Award from the Mass Federation of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. He is survived by his wife, Irene (Razzano) Capurso; a daughter, Kathy Stukowski and her husband Paul of Worcester; his son in law John Ferdella and his fiancé Elaine Simone of West Boylston; his four cherished grandchildren, Beth Ann Moughan and her husband James of Holden, John Ferdella, Jr. and his wife Nicole of Lutz, FL, Aimee Stukowski of Ocean City, CA, and Mark Stukowski of Worcester; five great grandchildren, Jimmy, Caitlin, and Alyssa Moughan, Gianna and Anthony Joseph Ferdella; his three sisters, Rose Cipro, Lucretia Stano, Lena Harvey and her husband William; his three sisters in law, Bertha DeSantis, Ann Lenti, and Angela Capurso; many nieces, nephews and friends. A daughter, Ann Ferdella, passed away in 2003. Four brothers, Nicholas, Domenic, Carlo, and Maurice Capurso and two sisters, Mary Lamanuzzi, and Lucy Mitchell all pre deceased him. Joe was a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, and it's Holy Name Society, a charter member of the Calvary Retreat Center in Shrewsbury, and the St Gabrielle Postal Guild. He was a member of The National Association of Letter Carriers, The National Association of Retired Federal Employees, the Greendale Retired Men's Club and the Froshinn Club. In 1983, Joe was honored by the Froshinn club as their man of the year. He was also involved in the Post Office Jackie Monahan Memorial Fund bringing happiness, gifts and entertainment to the aged, sick, disabled children and mentally challenged, not only during the Christmas season, but all year round. A devoted family man, always smiling with Irene by his side, he was happiest helping family, friends, and those less fortunate. He had a heart of gold. So many lives were touched by his kind ways and the precious memories he leaves with us will remain in our hearts forever. The funeral will be held Tuesday, October 13th 2009 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St with a mass at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family, Monday, October 12th from 5 p.m to 8 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Nursing Home Activities Fund, 300 Barber Ave, Worcester 01605. Joe's family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the entire staff of Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Holy Trinity Hospice for the outstanding care given Joe and the compassion and support given to the family. Joe's final days were restful and dignified, due to their loving care.