Mr. Pasquale A. Caputo

UTICA - Pasquale A. Caputo, Operatic tenor extraordinaire, son, husband, professor of languages and voice, brother, animal advocate and father to Baryshnikov, Moumouche, Liu, Mikey…, mentor, uncle, friend, left this earthly realm for another on Tuesday, December 26, 2017. He went peacefully in his sleep. He was 82. Born in Utica on April 17, 1935, to the late Pasquale and Mary (Verno) Caputo. He proudly lived his Italian heritage throughout his life, and he was the first of his Italian immigrant family to attend college. He was a graduate of Columbia University in New York City and taught at the prestigious Brooklyn Academy of Music. He studied voice with his beloved Maestro, Marino Cremesini, in Florence, Italy for years. After his voice studies in Italy, Pasquale became leading tenor with the Tri-Cities Opera in Binghamton, New York. He opened up the world for his family and friends through his life and his extensive performances in the United States and abroad, including New York City, Italy, and France among other locales. Close to his heart were renditions of Neapolitan songs, and his repertoire included more than fifteen operas, sacred works, and art songs sung in French, German, and Italian. He released four CDs including his performance at the Town Hall in New York City. Pasquale enjoyed his career as an Italian teacher as well as Department Head of Foreign Languages at T.R. Proctor High School, retiring in 1991. He also served as a programmer for the Italian Panorama Hour on radio stations WYUT and WUTO, was the founder and Past President and Artistic Director for the Utica Opera Guild, and a member of the Mohawk Valley Opera Society. To his loved ones, he brought his love for Opera, Ballet, Classical Music, and his love for animals as well. He lived his life with kindness, compassion, grace, and open heartedness while pushing people’s boundaries, whether through teaching voice or just by living a courageous life. His sister, Ann, who was a professional Jazz and Blues singer, would joke that Pasquale took up singing to compete and outdo her! Shall we all continue his legacy by living a kind, brave, passionate, and open-hearted life filled with music (and animals!)? And how can we ever forget that wonderful, endearing laugh? The Greeks don’t write obituaries, they just ask one question: “Did this person live life passionately?” YES, YES, YES, per certo, with finesse and aplomb. We all owe you so much and love you so, so much. We loved walking in your big footsteps. Rest in Peace, Pasquale. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Pasquale’s love and advocacy for animals may be directed to Spring Farm Cares, online at www.springfarmcares.org or by mail to 3364 State Rt. 12 Clinton, NY 13323; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Pasquale’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Fr. James Cesta. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Pasquale’s life tribute was written by his niece, Cynthia Capalupa-Durand.

Mr. Pasquale A. Caputo

April 17, 1935 - December 26, 2017