Mr. Casper P. "Cappy" Vassallo

Mr. Casper P. “Cappy” Vassallo, age 88, formerly of Utica, and currently of New Hartford, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 24, 2011 in the comfort and dignity of his home with the love and support of his family by his side. Born in Utica on November 28, 1922, Casper was the son of the late John and Josephine (Graziano) Vassallo. He was raised and educated locally. A veteran of World War II, Cappy served his country in the United States Army Air Corps from 1943-1946, completing a tour of duty in the Pacific. His military decorations include the Bronze Star for heroic or meritorious achievement in combat. On February 7, 1948 he married the former Gloria Cuda with whom he shared 63 years of love, dedication, understanding, and respect all accompanied by a caring heart. Cappy lived for his family, was a good provider, and all were content in being in each other’s company. In 1972 Cappy and Gloria became the founders, owners, and operators of Capglo Truck Sales on Broad Street in Utica, and in 1985, relocated the business to Yorkville. The nature of the enterprise was sales and service, providing Freightliners, Mercedes and International brands. As Cappy and Glo worked as a team at the store, it brought great fulfillment and joy to their relationship. At home, Cappy was supportive of family gatherings and activities, and was especially proud of hosting the Clinton Ice Skating Show Saturday night party. He also enjoyed classic comedy shows, Westerns on television, and his favorite movie “The Godfather”. He was a member of the NY State Auto Dealers Association and the National Truck Association. Cappy pursued the sport of small game hunting with his father, brother, and brothers-in-law. He was a longtime parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Cappy is survived by his beloved wife, Glo; and his cherished daughter, Joanne Jamrosz and her husband, Dr. Greg Jamrosz who Cappy looked to as a son. He also leaves his sister, Josephine “Peppy” Vassallo of Utica; his nieces and nephews and their families, Richard and Suwann Vassallo, Anthony and Karen Constabile, Susan Vassallo, Cathy and Ron Romano, Joseph Salerno and Alan Ureck, Theresa and Sam Pennise, Carl and Joanne Plano, Ellen Laura, Gloria Zacaroli, Joseph Plano, Theresa Ann and Moustafa Moustafa, Anthony Cuda, Joseph Cuda, Lucille and Jay Klevonosky, Joan and John Tracy, and special acknowledgement of Theresa and Rich Pettigrew for spending so much time with Cappy during his illness. His extended family includes many cousins, in-laws, Mary Benedetto of Utica, Flora Plano of Frankfort, and Vincent “Jim” Salerno of New Hartford; his many friends formed throughout the years with special mention of Vinny and Mickey DiIorio, Diane and Stephen Schink, Brenda and Ricky Lavallee, Martin Waissman, Jimmy Fellone, Bobby Malinowski, Mark Courto and Marlene Inserra; and his faithful golden retriever, Angel. He was predeceased by his sisters and brother-in-law, Rose Salerno, and Anna and Salvatore “Sam” Constabile; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Philip and Margaret, John and Lydia, and Thomas and Julia Vassallo; nephews, Johnny Vassallo, and Leonard Benedetto; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Theresa Cuda; his in-laws, Charles and Nancy Cuda, Anthony Cuda, Frank and Fannie Flint, Carl Plano, and George Benedetto. The family extends special thanks to Cappy’s wonderful home health aides, “Vonnie” and Loretta; Dr. Jane and Dr. Samson Pachikara, Dr. Emile Wassel, and Dr. Charles Hobaica, and their respective staffs for their professionalism and care. Gratitude is expressed to Joe Chiffy, Chris Horning, Beth Ricco, and the staff at the French Road Parkway Drugs for their competence and kindness; and Fr. Dave Sambor for his Tuesday visits offering Communion and conversation to Cappy. The family respected Cappy’s wishes that there will be no public visitation. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday morning at 10:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered with Military Honors. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the U.S. Figure Skating Memorial Fund or the Freedom Guide Dogs for the Blind; envelopes will be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mr. Casper P. "Cappy" Vassallo

November 28, 1922 - February 24, 2011