Catherine 'Kitty' Capetanakis

Catherine "Kitty" Capetanakis (née Boucouvalas), a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and devoted friend, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, in Orangeburg, New York. She was 96 years old.

Born on November 29, 1929, in Washington, DC, and raised in Philadelphia, Catherine was the cherished eldest daughter of Telemachos (Mike) and Mary (née Galanos) Boucouvalas, who emigrated from the Macedonia region of northern Greece. As the daughter of a hardworking restaurant-owner during the Great Depression, Catherine grew up with a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for her Greek heritage and traditions, which she lovingly preserved and shared throughout her life. Catherine's upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of family and community that would define her life’s journey.

Catherine attended Harcum Junior College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania before working as a secretary for an executive at a large ocean freight company in Philadelphia. After marrying her husband, John George Capetanakis, Esq., in 1955, who was born and raised in Kalamata, Greece, Catherine supported him for many years in his private law practice in New York City as a legal secretary and office manager. In later years, she also worked as a real estate agent in Rockland County, and then as an administrative assistant in the Rockland County District Attorney's Office.

Catherine shared many wonderful years with John, first in Brooklyn, and later in Tappan, NY, until his passing in 2013 at age 93. Together they built a loving family and home filled with warmth, laughter, and the rich traditions of their Greek heritage. Catherine took immense pride in maintaining cultural customs within her household and among extended family, passing them on to future generations.

A loving matriarch, Catherine is survived by her son George and his wife Jayne, and daughter Ekaterini (Rena) and her husband Thomas (Tom) Pirsos; grandchildren Cathy Capetanakis (Christian), Gina Taraskewich (Edward), John Capetanakis (Joanna), John Pirsos and Michael Pirsos; and four great-grandchildren.

Catherine was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband John, and her sister Calliope (Callie) Jackson. Her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched with her kindness and generosity.

Catherine found joy in life’s simple pleasures - reading a good book, tending her garden, watching birds from her window and lovingly feeding them in her backyard, and cooking lavish dinners and baking favorite treats for loved ones. These hobbies reflected her nurturing spirit and love for nature’s beauty. Her home was always a welcoming place where family traditions were celebrated with delicious food and heartfelt conversations.

Above all else, Catherine will be remembered for the love she gave so freely to those around her. She embodied selflessness and grace in every role she held. May Catherine’s memory be eternal and bring comfort to all who knew her as they celebrate a life well-lived and honor the legacy she leaves behind.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, March 13 at Moritz Funeral Home, 98 NY-303 South, Tappan, NY, immediately followed by inurnment at Tappan Cemetery, 32 Old Tappan Rd.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

St. Philothea Philoptochos, Chapter #1034, Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Theologian, Tenafly, NJ, 07670 (please indicate “Kitty memorial” after your name on the “Donate to Philoptochos” page, or on a personal check if donating by mail); or

Reading is Fundamental, RIF.org (How to Help, Make a Tribute Gift)