David Caputi

FITCHBURG -- David Joseph “Moo” Caputi, 73, devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, died Wednesday, Jan. 16, in his home, after a courageous battle with prostate cancer and pulmonary fibrosis.

Born in Fitchburg, he was the son of Giuseppe “Joe” and Lucrezia “Loretta” (Romano) Caputi and lived in Fitchburg all his life. He graduated in 1954 from Fitchburg High School where he played football and basketball.

He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 to 1957 on the USS Antietam, and was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant.

He attended Mount Wachusett Community College and Quinsigamond Community College, majoring in criminal justice. Dave worked for the Fitchburg Police Department for 36 years, from 1960 to 1996. His most recent assignment was in the Detective Bureau’s Drug Unit.

He was a member of the Marconi Club, Friends of Coggshall, Marine Corps League, Massachusetts Police Association, Retired State County and Municipal Employees Association, and the Fitchburg Police Association.

”Moo” was an avid sports fan and loved the Red Sox and Patriots.

He particularly enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sports activities as well as attending Bowdoin College football games, which his son David coaches. His many hobbies and interests included tending to his garden and yard, driving his 1965 Mustang convertible, going to the beach, going to the “track” with his many good friends, and cooking gourmet food.

He leaves his wife of 49 years, Janice (Cournoyer) Caputi, formerly of Dudley, whom he met when she was a nursing student at Burbank Hospital.

David also leaves their children, David and his wife, Beth, and their children, David “Mac,” Maggie, Lydia and Claire, of Brunswick, Maine; Carlene and her husband, Brian Mabie, and their son, Cameron, of Shrewsbury; Christopher “Bo” Caputi of Falmouth; Peter and his wife, Julie, and their children, Kylie and Drew; and Peter’s son, Anthony Caputi of Fitchburg; his son-in-law, Domenic LaPosta and his children, Gabrielle, Nico and Gianna of Fitchburg; a daughter, Michele Ann LaPosta, died in 1996. He also leaves four sisters-in-law; Christine of Millbury, Rosemary of Missouri, Judith of Clinton, and Aino of Florida; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, friends, and particularly his good and devoted friend Matt Burns.

David is predeceased by his parents; three sisters, Concetta “Connie” Caputi, Rachel Guilfoil, and Veronica “Ronnie” Caputi; and seven brothers, Joseph, Richard, William, Vincent, John, Anthony and Arthur Caputi.

Special thanks are extended to the dedicated staff of DVNA Hospice Program, particularly Peggy Bujold, RN, who provided so much wonderful care, support, encouragement and compassion.

CAPUTI -- The funeral will be held Saturday, Jan. 19, from Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, with a Mass at 11 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church on the Hill, 59 Vernon St., West Fitchburg. Burial will follow in Saint Bernard’s Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday, Jan. 18, from 2-7 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the DVNA Hospice, 25 Tucker Drive, Leominster, MA 01453, or to the Crocker Field Restoration Fund, c/o Fitchburg High School, 140 Arn-How Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420.