Jim Caporale

James Edward Caporale, a beloved husband, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 16th, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on May 4th, 1947, in North Tonawanda, NY, Jim was a cherished resident of Marietta, OH. On November 1, 2025, Jim and Sylvia would have celebrated 57 years of marriage.

Jim was a proud graduate of North Tonawanda High School, class of 1965, where he was valedictorian, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Math and Biology from the University of Buffalo, NY. His career was marked by entrepreneurial spirit and dedication, as he owned and operated several businesses, including American Flags and Poles, which he ran alongside his devoted wife, Sylvia Caporale. His professional journey also included roles as a Deputy Sheriff in Niagara County, NY, and ownership of Tastee Freez, Norrell Services, and Corner Stores.

A man of diverse interests, Jim was an active member of several organizations, including the Musical Box Society International, AMICA, National Flag Dealers Association, and SPAMFAA (Antique Fire Apparatus). He had a passion for collecting cars, antiques, farm machines, and music machines, and he especially cherished the history of Marietta, and the provenance of his treasures. Jim and Sylvia were awarded the Business Leaders of the Year in 2025, by the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce, where they were also awarded Gabe Zide Citizens of the year (1999). Animals had a special place in Jim's big heart. Sparky, Annie, Dottie, Reo, Puppy, Blue, Rusty, Tinker and Zoe were loved on at the flag store. Jim enthusiastically planned monkey organ and band organ rallies, the Putnam St. Bridge dedication (2000), greeting the national flag truck, Liberty Spectacular Weekend and many flag tributes.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia Caporale of Marietta, OH; his brother, Joseph Caporale (Mary); sister-in-law, Norma Wheeland (Duane); brother-in-law, Kenneth Keyser; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Caporale and Betty Pilarski Caporale.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation at the Marietta Chapel of Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home, on Sunday, October 19th, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and again on Monday, October 20th, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. A funeral service will follow on Monday at 11:00 am at the same location, with The Rev. Bill Shrader officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Marietta Community Foundation in memory of Jim Caporale. Cawley & Peoples is honored to serve the family and offers online condolences and resources at www.CawleyandPeoples.com or through their Facebook page.

Jim's legacy of love, dedication, and passion for life will be remembered by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.