Photo courtesy of Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary, Inc. - Fallbrook
Nov 4, 1969 - Jan 14, 2026 (Age 56)
Dean was a wonderful person and it was my honor and privilege to track him down so that he could reconnect with my ex-wife who was his sister whom he loved very much — and I’m sure the feeling was mutual. I find it heartbreaking that he’s gone at such an early age after all he has done for disabled people. Dean was everything you could ever want in a human being and I wish him the sweetest of dreams.
Steven Kunes
February 19, 2026 | Newtown, PA | Acquaintance
Just got the news of Dino's passing this is a big lost in my world. Dino has worked with many for many years and provided me with the best prosthetic device I've had in 45 yrs. I pray for the family Charmaine, Oliver, & Simon we'll all be back together one day. God bless you and keep you.
James McGee
February 09, 2026 | Long Beach, CA | Friend
Such sad news to hear of you passing. I pray your heart had healed and that you found peace while you were still here on earth and if not I pray you have now. Rest easy
February 08, 2026
I really miss your sense of humor and your kind, generous thoughtful ways. You’ve left quite a hole in our lives but the boys and I will stick together and make you proud. We will love and miss you but we will see you again.
Charmaine LaCapria
February 07, 2026 | Orange, CA | Significant_other
Dean “Dino” LaCapria, a respected healthcare provider specializing in prosthetics, university instructor, fine woodworking craftsman and small business owner died January 14 in Riverside, California. He was 56.
Raised in Fullerton, California, Dino founded Orange Coast Prosthetics, Inc. and co-founded LimbCraft, Inc.. Deeply committed to education, he taught students at California State University Dominguez Hills, Northwestern University and Azusa Pacific University, and served practitioners nationwide as a lecturer of professional-level courses.
Dino earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Kinesiology from Chapman University and completed the graduate certificate program in prosthetics at CSU Dominguez Hills. From 1989 to 1992, he studied Animal Science at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo.
A lifelong dog lover, he enjoyed playing acoustic guitar, swimming, body surfing, mountain biking, motorcycle riding and camping. He and his family had been members of Trinity Episcopal Church in Orange.
Dino is survived by sons Oliver and Simon LaCapria; former wife of 24 years, Charmaine LaCapria; parents Mary and Paul LaCapria; siblings Bridget Melanson, Matthew LaCapria, Saria Kraft, Kim Blanc, Anna Gamboa, David Gamboa and Paul Gamboa; and his nieces and nephews.
A memorial reception was held January 24 at the family home in Orange. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dino’s memory may be made to Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County (casaoc.org), a nonprofit that assists children in the adoption/foster care system, or to Limbs for Life, a charity devoted to helping those in need afford prosthetic limbs (limbsforlife.org).
Dino is deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
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