Emmett Capanna

Emmett Capanna, 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 14, 2025, in West Orange, New Jersey, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on June 3, 1938, in Somerville, New Jersey, he was the son of Emmett and Christine Capanna. He was raised in Bound Brook and was a longtime resident of Bridgewater, where he built a life centered on faith, family, service, and community.

Emmett attended St. Joseph School in Bound Brook and graduated from Bound Brook High School, where he excelled as a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. He was voted Best Athlete and Most Versatile his senior year and earned a football scholarship to Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree in business, becoming the first member of his family to attend college.

Emmett proudly served in the United States Army, receiving an Honorable Discharge in February of 1967.

Faith was an important part of Emmett's life. He was a longtime member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Bound Brook, having received his sacraments there and serving as an altar boy during his childhood.

Professionally, Emmett enjoyed a long and successful career in the energy industry, holding several senior leadership roles. He served as the Global Head of Marketing for Amerada Hess, 1967–1982, was Vice President, Energy Marketing Exchange, 1985–1991, and later became Co-founder U.S. Energy Partners / MXenergy (later PSEG), founded 1994. His colleagues remember him as a thoughtful leader, a skilled communicator, and someone who cared deeply about the people he worked alongside.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Emmett lived a life defined by humility, kindness, and a genuine commitment to lifting others up. His love of sports endured throughout his entire life. He coached his children in multiple sports, became a dedicated youth coach in the Bridgewater community, and mentored countless young athletes. For 15 years he coached Bridgewater Youth Football, and he served three terms as President of the Bridgewater Booster Club. He was also instrumental in the effort to install lights at John Basilone Field, a project that reflected his belief in giving back to the community he cherished.

Emmett was known as the consummate team player, both on and off the field. Those who knew him speak of his leadership, his integrity, and the way he put others first. He loved sharing stories, supporting local sports, and celebrating the achievements of the Bound Brook and Bridgewater communities. He also loved golfing, and he and his wife enjoyed spending their winters together in Florida, where they created cherished memories with family and friends.

Above all else, family was the heart of Emmett's life. His greatest joy came from being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend. He taught through example, instilling in his family the values of perseverance, respect, kindness, and always doing the right thing.

Emmett was predeceased by his beloved sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Salvatore Sinibaldi.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 64 years, Mary Eleanor Capanna, and by his five children: Lisa Capanna, Kristan Montana and her husband Christopher, Derek Emmett Capanna and his wife Deborah, Melissa Capanna, and Justine Callahan and her husband Tom. He also leaves behind his 14 grandchildren: Brett, Tyler, Brittany, Kylie, Trevor, Chase, William, Emma, Kiana, Alea, Siena, Jackson, Bryce, and Turner, as well as his cherished great-granddaughter, Presley.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 11 AM to 1 PM at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Boulevard, Watchung, NJ 07069, followed by a 1 PM Funeral Service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association [LINK], 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Emmett will be remembered for the life he lived, the people he inspired, and the family he loved beyond measure.

***Live Stream Funeral Service LINK***