Joseph Capocciama

Joseph Capocciama passed away on Saturday, January 12, 2019 in Huntington Beach, CA. Joseph was 97, born on October 28, 1921 in Alvito, Italy to Frank Capocciama and Josephine (Tata) Capocciama. He had one brother, Benny (1923-2005). Joseph immigrated to the United States on October 29, 1932 with his mother and his brother aboard the SS Conte Grande that sailed from Naples. Joseph, with Benny and their mother, joined with his father, Frank and resided in Erie, Pennsylvania until 1942, when Joseph joined the United States Coast Guard.

During World War II, Joseph served as a coxswain in the United States Coast Guard from 1942 to 1946. During his service with the Coast Guard, Joseph was stationed aboard a Liberty ship that was converted into an ice crusher that sailed in the North Atlantic Greenland/Iceland area. His last duty station was aboard the USCGC Mackinaw, when she was commissioned. The USCGC Mackinaw was based in the Great Lakes.

After the war, Joseph joined his parents, who were now living in Los Angeles, California. Joseph met his wife, Anna (Dispalatro) Capocciama, in 1946 when Joseph, his parents, and a few of his friends came down from Los Angeles to visit friends in Huntington Beach. Joseph and Anna married July 27, 1947 at Sts. Simon & Jude Church, when it was located in the downtown area of Huntington Beach. They lived a year in Los Angeles and then permanently moved to Huntington Beach in 1948. Joseph worked as a farmer, a builder, and general contractor while residing in Huntington Beach.

When Joseph was not working 16 to 18 hours a day to support his family, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, walking on the Huntington Beach pier, gardening in his yard, trips to Las Vegas, and playing cards with friends.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Anna; sons John, Frank, and Paul; daughters JoAnn Thompson and Michelle Kinney; 13 grandchildren; and 16 great grandchildren.

As a self-made man who was strong minded and lived life on his own terms, Joseph was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He had a caring heart and will be greatly missed by his loving family, friends and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that if you wish, to please make donations in memory of Joseph Capocciama to the Wounded Warrior Project: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=10043

Website for information about the Wounded Warrior Project: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Visitation Tuesday, February 5, 2019 ~ 6:30 - 8:00 pm w/Vigil Service at 7:00 pm held at Heritage-Dilday Memorial Chapel, 17911 Beach Blvd. Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Mass Wednesday, February 6, 2019 ~10:00 am at Sts. Simon & Jude Catholic Church, 20444 Magnolia St. Huntington Beach, CA 92646 followed by Committal Service at Good Shepherd Cemetery, Huntington Beach, CA 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Capocciama, please visit our floral store.