Carmela Frances Capozza

Waterford - Carmela Frances Capozza, 98, and the loving wife of the late Rocco Joseph Capozza, passed away peacefully at her home Monday, June 12, 2023.

She and Rocco, who predeceased her by nearly two years, were married for 71 years and she missed him dearly, her tears ever flowing. Her family feels a great peace in knowing that Carmela and Rocco are together again, continuing the love they had for one another and for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Carmela was one of the few angels to have tread this earth without ruffling a feather, in that she was kind and considerate to all and never had a negative word to say about anyone. Today, many could learn from her. She led a simple life as a homemaker, which isn't simple at all, fixing meals with Rocco for the entire extended family each Sunday. In the Italian way, she fed anyone who entered her door and beckoned them to have a second helping. Her home and her heart were always welcoming. She loved dancing, music and movies, and had an exceptionally good memory for film. Having grown up in The Bronx, she moved to Waterford, after marriage and lived her life there, preparing, among other things, the bountiful harvests from her son's garden.

During her last years, she remained in her home with her son, Joseph Rocco Capozza, who lovingly watched over and cared for her, as did all her children and grandchildren. She loved life and remained active to the end, attending daughter Mary Groves and granddaughter Rachael Genung's Sunday family dinners once they took on the tradition. Carmela relished the time she spent with family and was exceptionally grateful for her long and happy life. Family and friends will forever remember her grabbing their hands and saying, "I love you."

Carmela was the daughter of John and Anna Marie Loffredo; and the sister of Michael Loffredo, Leonard Loffredo, Catherine Baron and Richard Loffredo, all of whom predeceased her. She leaves four children: Joseph Capozza, Mary Ann Groves, Camille Vanderputten and Rocco Joseph Capozza Jr.; grandchildren Jessica Henry, Amanda Sherer, Nicholas Capozza, Rachael Genung, Samantha Capozza, Michael Capozza, and Jonathan Vanderputten; and two great-grandchildren, Tessa Henry and Emmitt Pittman.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 5, at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 181 Ocean Ave., New London. A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. during the calling hours at the funeral home. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 6, at St. Mary Cemetery, New London. Memorial donations in her memory may be made at www.stjude.org.