SFC Richard Thomas Capozzoli U.S.(Ret.)

1950 - 2025

Entered into rest on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, SFC Richard Thomas Capozzoli (U.S. Ret.), 75, loving husband of JoAnn Roberta (Petito) Capozzoli.

Richard was born and raised in ""Hells Kitchen"" New York, where at the young age of 20 he joined the Army. He was stationed in various place in the US and Germany and his final assignment was at Ft. Gordon where he retired in December 1990.

He graduated from Brenau University with a Bachelor's Degree of Computer Science. He was heavily involved for 3 decades in the Augusta Youth Bowling Association as well as the Augusta Women's Bowling Association Manager. His favorite hobbies were bowling alongside his children. Richard loved all children and was first to volunteer where they were concerned. when Voluntary Services needed a Peewee Soccer coach, he took on the task, got a book from the library and took the team of novices to an unscored upon, undefeated season. Even the Post Commander attended the games. He was the Past Grand Knight of St. Joseph Council moved to St. Michael was the Past Grand Knight of Council 14773 and held multiple positions in the Patrick Walsh Assembly #174 Augusta and a 4th Degree Knight and member of the Color Guard.

Richard has been a lifelong devoted Catholic, constantly drawn to St. Michael throughout his life. He was Baptized, Confirmed, and Married at St. Michael's in Manhattan. Upon arriving at Ft. Gordon, he was once again united with Chapel 9 during AIT. Finally, he and his family joined the St. Michael faith family in 1988 when this became their permanent home. Richard and his family have served this Military community in many ways for many decades. Perhaps their most outstanding contribution was their service to the youth of this community as they served as the Catholic Youth Ministry Coordinators for 16 consecutive years, guiding and fostering Catholic values, volunteerism and other opportunities to give back to our Veterans and underserved all while having fun.

Family members, in addition to his wife, include his son: Anthony J. Capozzoli (Cathy); daughter: Lisa Billings and fiancé Michael Chew; grandchildren: Brendan Stacy, Bella Capozzoli and Rachel Billings; aunt: Josephine Muratore; cousins: Donna Berhard (Chris), Thomas Muratore (Caroline); sister-in-law: Marie Capozzoli; brother-in-law: LTC ( R ) John P. Petito (Yan); nephews: Anthony Petito (Faith), Joseph Petito (Jenna), Leanore and John McKinley, Jeffery Roberts; and great nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his daughter: Gina Marie Capozzoli; parents: James and Catherine (Lauro) Capozzoli; brothers: SSG Michael Capozzoli (decorated Vietnam Vet), James Capozzoli; grandparents: Fortunato and Nicoletta Lauro; aunt: Rose Lauro; uncle: Thomas Muratore; and mother-in-law: Mary Petito.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org/, American Diabetes Association at https://diabetes.org/ or to the Alzheimer's Association at https://donorservices.alz.org/.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, January 9, 2026 at 12 Noon at Good Shepherd Chapel on Ft. Gordon with Fr. Arek Ochalek celebrant. Entombment will follow in the mausoleum of Bellevue Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484.