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Ross Caputo Obituary
Ross "Tiger" passed unexpectedly at his home. He was born in Salt Lake City, UT to parents John Caputo and Barbara Fry. He grew up in the Rose Park neighborhood where he spent countless hours at the Caputo Family store. He was found, even at the young age of 3, with a bat in his hand playing ball with the older boys. He attended Bishop Glass, Guadalupe, and Judge Memorial schools. He excelled in all things athletic, quickly developing expert skills in baseball, basketball and football. He is fondly remembered as 'The Toe' after successfully kicking the longest football field goal on record, 60 yards to win the game against Hillcrest High School on Friday September 4, 1970. The state record would stand for 38 years and land him in the encyclopedia. He was awarded numerous accolades for scholastics and athletics. He attended Arizona State, Gonzaga, and Weber State Universities and played baseball for all three. He played men's fastpitch softball starting in the late 1970s. He was inducted into the Utah Softball Hall of Fame in 1997.
He began working at Rose Park Golf Course in 1976 and was promoted to the course superintendent position in 1989, a position which he held continuously for nearly 40 years. The city honored him with superintendent of the year in 2002 and called him "The King of the Greens". He also worked at Northwest Multipurpose Center for multiple years. When he wasn't mowing greens he was most likely found at the ballpark.
He was a kind, caring, compassionate and gentle man. He loved his family, eating meals together, watching movies, attending sporting events, coaching his children, golfing, and playing with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Wendy; six children, Marjorie (Chris) Wheeler, Cristina "Teeny", Cassandra "Nannie" (Kelly) Jacobs, Eric "EJ" (Bridget Berrios), Marissa "Rissi", and Michael; seven grandchildren Elizabeth, Parker, Olivia, Riley, Kelly, Emma, and Luca. He is also survived by two siblings Stephanie (Mike) Olsen and Steven Caputo; uncle Frank, aunts Eileen (Willard) Tubbs and Margaret Seeronen, and countless Caputo cousins. Preceded in death by his parents, brother John Jr., and several extended family members.
A Rosary and viewing will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church 700 South 1065 East, Salt Lake City, UT on Saturday March 7, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. A celebration of his life follows at 2:00 p.m. in the Judge Memorial High School Cafeteria; enter through the Judge Memorial parking lot. Ross wished to be cremated, with private interment services to be held at a later date.
A memorial scholarship has been established at Judge. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the scholarship. Contributions can be mailed directly to Judge, indicating in the memo line 'in memory of Ross Caputo' or online at www.judgememorial.com, select giving, donate now, other, and include a comment 'in memory of Ross Caputo'.
The family would like to thank Tony Caputo and Caputo's Gourmet Food Market & Deli for their love and support and Neil O'Donnell and Sons Mortuary for their services.
Ross, Bambino, Tiger, Otto, Dad, and Papa we love and miss you. "Take a pitch!" "Bend your knees, keep your elbow in!" "Take a divot!" "Legends Never Die!"
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ross Caputo
Sponsored by Neil O'Donnell Funeral Home.
Dennis
February 28, 2024
Although Tiger has been gone from us mortals it doesn't stop us from thinking of him, especially this time of year.
Hoping the family are thinking of him also. Its been hard for everyone since he touched as many as he has.
Riley Jacobs
May 6, 2022
My name is Riley, Ross Caputo is my grandpa. I miss him so much and I love him to. When ever he came over to my house, my family and I had a lot of fun with him! My grandpa (papa Ross) he was a great Athlete and a great person. Love Riley Jacobs
Michael Jackson
February 27, 2022
RIP see you on the course in paridice
Dennis Rose
March 7, 2021
"Otto" it does not seem to have been this long since you left all of us! You were a great father, team mate and friend. You brought your personality everywhere you went. Luckily for me I had known you for a very long time, St. Pats, .
You are missed and still cherished.
March 18, 2015
I forgot to put my name on my message. The previous message was from Chad Drecksel.
March 17, 2015
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Ross " TIGER". He was a great man as well as a wonderful father and friend. He will be greatly missed. It was my honor to call him my friend.
March 9, 2015
Ross was my baseball coach at Judge for a year and I really looked up to him. We talked every time we saw each other playing softball or on the golf course... He was a legend to me and I know a legend in his own right. Love ya coach Jeff Ulibarri
Cathy Lloyd
March 8, 2015
So sorry for your loss, Wendy! I heard of his passing from my son, Scott, who is a neighbor of Marge's in Woods Cross. I didn't know until I read the obituary today that Marge's dad was your husband. I have thought of you often over the years. Praying for you and your family today. Much love, Cathy Lloyd (fellow EMT coworker)
March 8, 2015
I attended Bishop Glass with Ross. I remember how kind, friendly and loving he was even then. Some people have a lifetime impact on you. Ross was my classmate and friend. May the peace of the Lord be with you and your family.
Terry Patonai Hogan
March 8, 2015
Ross "Tiger" Caputo .....
Great friend
Great Employee
Great Father
Great Athlete
Thanks for your example and God Bless your Family....... Dick Alexander
March 7, 2015
Great fond memories on the Judge football team and I was on the track team also. Great part of life. God bless Tiger. Paul Page
Steven Marchand
March 6, 2015
Ross' love, intelligence, patience, humor and spirit live on in you all.
Chuck Salazar
March 6, 2015
I knew Tiger as a boy through his Dad. John coached at Kiwanis Boy's & Girl's Club for many years. Tiger was one of the best athletes any of us knew at the time. My best to his family on your loss. Truly a loss to the athletic community of Utah.
March 6, 2015
To a Great competitor in whatever he did. Rest Well Be Well . Randy Richins Murray High class of 71
March 6, 2015
My condolences to the family for your loss. During this difficult time, may you find comfort in one another and in drawing close to God in prayer.
Jeremiah 29:12,13
Dev Dern
March 6, 2015
Caputo and Jefferies Families,
It was such a shock to see Ross's obituary in the Salt Lake Trib. Ross was the kind of guy who meshed with everyone and demonstrated his care and concern for others. This was apparent recently at the passing of my mother when Ross dropped me a note expressing his condolences on January 15th. We hadn't visited since one our class gatherings three years ago but he was kind enough to remember me at a hard time.
Even though Ross possessed incredible athletic skills in high school, as a fellow classmate you didn't have to do likewise to share his friendship.
May God bless Ross and his family at this difficult time.
Dev Dern
Judge Memorial Class of 71
willy Revada Allen
March 6, 2015
We were all so young Tiger. Rotary Boys club was home away from home.
You and father John will be greatly missed.
Grateful to have been able to shared you and your family.
;Colleem Caputo
March 5, 2015
We lost Ross far too soon. He was a good man and loved his family dearly. May we focus on memories of his happy spirit and good deeds as we face life without him.
March 5, 2015
Sorry to hear of Tiger passing. I knew him from way back when when we played against each other in WBBA all star games. He for Rose Park and I was on Ensign. It moved on to Cops League where we again played against each other, His Dad being his coach in this league. Then to high school, with him at Judge, I at East. I was a pitcher and he was one of the toughest outs to get as he was a super hitter. Later in the 70's and 80's we played out at cottonwood complex, I in the slow pitch league, he in the fast pitch, I would lots of times walk over to diamond one to watch him when he was playing, because he was good, and he was a very kind friend in those days. Tiger may you rest in peace
A long ago competitor and friend.
Scott Savage.
Victor Lucero
March 5, 2015
I remember Tiger from the old Rotary Boys Club on the West Side. Where ever John was Tiger was right behind. He was only 4-5 years old and he wound jump in and play basketball or watch the boxing and even give advise as a little boy...
I can't even imagine how many people know Tiger Ross Caputo. To all the family and friends, you are in my prayers. Vic Lucero / Judge class of 1960 and a Glendale boy...
March 5, 2015
Hi Wendy and Kids:
So sorry to hear news of Ross' death. His passing makes me wonder Where did all those years go? I ran into him a while ago at the northwest multi-purpose center and even though his poor knees continued to trouble him; he was never without his sparkling eyes, patent smile and contagious laugh. It was always good to see him: a kind fellow, a good man and while never mean spirited, he was always a fierce competitor. The years we all shared Judge Football were grand years and time I hold dear with much love and very special affection. We worked hard and were a scrappy bunch of undersized kids who held our own with every big school in the state. Winning the state championship his last year was truly among the best of times.
I was on the field that day of the record setting field goal; Ralph Yanni and I protected his foot while Gary Barber spotted the ball. Roscoe (we called him Puto, Too) put more leg on that one than we'd ever seen and the sound of his foot hitting the pigskin will never escape me. It was cold as hell that day and seemed we waited hours but it was just seconds - before the field judge signaled the kick good. Most everyone who met Roscoe and got to know him really loved him; especially those of us who had the honor to play with such a great athlete. Yet I like to think that as good as an athlete as he was; what really made him Ross was the sincere love in his heart he had for those of us he ran with and ultimately the love he showed for you. I'm filled with real deep sadness at his passing but will remember his goodness with much love and laughter and hope that somewhere, somehow, we'll all play again together some day. He'd like that.
Love to you and yours;
Ralph L. Colosimo 72
Jerry Mika
March 5, 2015
I always looked forward to my early morning shift at Rose Park as I had the opportunity to have a cup of coffee with my fellow Bulldog Ross Caputo. The greens will never be the same now that he is gone. Sorry Ross for the damage Dean and I did to the practice green by putting for dollars till it got dark each day. You will be missed.
Greg Wayne
March 5, 2015
My man.. ROSCOE!! I had the extreme honor of having this man that I gladly could call my friend!! He ALWAYS had a smile on his face when he greeted me. I loved when he told a joke, he always laughed the loudest out of all of us! You will be sorely missed. Those of us in the golf community have lost a GREAT MAN! My heart goes out to his family. The neighborhood, community and golf course have lost a legend! Every time I tee it up.. I know I will still see you and feel your presence there. I LOVE YOU MAN!!
March 5, 2015
Wendy, I am so sorry for your loss, and very sorry I didn't get to meet Ross. Knowing you and reading these fine words of description, I'm sure he was a special person.
My best to you and your family, always,
Hal Hansen
Sherry Reichert
March 5, 2015
God bless your family. Ross was a great person and a gentle soul. He will be missed.
Cherie Morrell-Royce
March 5, 2015
Ross, you were one in a million. I will always remember your smile and your kindness and the love you had for your family. They were truly blessed with you in their lives and your legacy lives on through them. I have many memories of your sports endeavors and how lucky Judge was to have you. You brought excitement to all of us and to the Class of 1971. Say hello to Father Blenner and Jeff Wright. Geology was a blast with you. God Bless you my friend, I will miss you. Keep those Italians in Heaven in line will you?
Ciao Tiger
Love Cherie Morrell-Class of 1971
March 5, 2015
I'm so sad to hear of Ross passing away. He used to make me laugh so hard everyday that I saw him at Northwest,
I've enjoyed his stories, jokes, and regular chit chat always. The Caputo family is one of our communities most treasured families, my heart and prayers go out to all of you. Ross was an exceptional man, and he will be deeply missed by everyone.
May God keep and comfort him, and his family and friends at this difficult time.
March 5, 2015
I was shocked to hear of Ross' death. My condolences to you all. As you know, he is part of Judge tradition. His name is on two championship game trophies and his field goal was given national acclaim. We were all fortunate to share in his life.
Gil Cordova, teacher and coach
March 5, 2015
RIP you were a good man and will be greatly missed. Michael Jackson SLC Public Utilities
Dennis Rose
March 5, 2015
Otto, Tiger, and Ross. There are many that have known you and many more that would have enjoyed you and learned from you in life and on the ball field. I am very please to have known you and coached you, in YBA and played against and coached against you in Fast Pitch Softball. What a gentle giant and say hello to Gary, Danny. John and others, see you soon.
Mike Nickas
March 5, 2015
There aren't a whole lot of things I looked forward to more than having a coffee with Ross at 5:00 AM before a busy work day at RP. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Mark Dixon
March 5, 2015
Ross was such a great friend. So kind compassionate and a quiet leader. He will always be remembered here at Rose Park Golf Course. What an amazing Legacy he leaves behind.
Greg Waters
March 5, 2015
Known Ross from our days at Judge. He was a great guy and will be missed. I was stunned by his sudden passing! We will all miss him at RPGC. Grip em and Rip em Tiger!
Ken Kida
March 5, 2015
I'm totally shocked to lose a great coworker and friend. My deepest condolences to the family. He was so dedicated to Rose Park Golf Course, he will surely be missed.
Brian Triptow
March 5, 2015
The value of sports can be measured by the quality of competition. I always enjoyed visiting with Ross years after our Kearns vs- Judge Memorial days. He played with heart and for the love of the game. Ross Caputo was a beauty.
March 5, 2015
We were very saddened to hear about Tiger. I've known him my whole life. We loved watching him play sports. No one could swing a bat like him. He intimidated pitchers. What a great guy with a gentle spirit. We'll miss you Tig.
Rick and Ann Barber
Winston Family
March 5, 2015
Your father was such a sweet man! May he rest in peace and everyone remember the good he offered. We pray for your pain to pass and your hearts to heal. He will be missed by so many!
Winston family
Blaine and Linda Sorenson
March 5, 2015
We will always miss Ross' s smile at Rose Park golf course when we played there. The course will never be the same without him. Our condolences go out to his family at this most difficult time.
Michael Vlamakis
March 5, 2015
Very sad to hear the loss of a great man. A fixture in Rose Park. See you at the ballpark brother. R.I.P. Ross !
March 5, 2015
Shocked and Saddened at the news of Ross' passing. Thoughts and prayers are with the family. He will be missed. Jim Coronado '71
Barb (Tezak) Herndon
March 4, 2015
Ross and his dear family. The news of your loss was so unexpected. The last time I saw you was at your dear Father's burial. He, like you, Tig, were such favorites of my dad, Lew Tezak. Dad would always comment when he saw you at Rose Park. And Ross, so many years have passed. What a wonderful family you had. I know you've already bumped into Johnny in the great baseball field above. Until we meet again, know you will always be remembered. God bless and take care of each of your loved ones.
Ken Bement
March 4, 2015
My condolences to the Caputo family.
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