Francesco L. Capaldi, Sr.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Francesco L. Capaldi, who left us peacefully on October 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, on September 5, 1947, to Louise and Raffaele Capaldi, Frank lived a life defined by hard-work, dedication, love, and unwavering devotion to his family.

Known to all simply as Frank, he shared 32 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Joanne. Together, they raised four children, Francesco Jr., Mark, David and Steven.

After Joanne's passing, Frank married Deborah, and they shared 24 wonderful years of marriage together where they were blessed with six grandchildren: Joshua, Giovanni, Angelo, Mya, Anthony and Francesca. His grandchildren were his world and could make him light up like no one else in his life.

Frank was a very hard worker and, over his long life, had many, many careers and even owned a few businesses including a food truck and a deli/bakery. His last job—and some may argue his favorite—was as chef at Brown University, where he befriended and entertained fellow kitchen staff but also the students. Just like everywhere he went, everyone instantly fell in love with him.

After retiring from Brown, Frank and Deb moved to Florida, where he embraced life’s simple joys — especially spending time with his step-daughter, Melanie Clarke and her husband Robert, their dogs Lucy and Leo, as well as the amazing supportive community in Port St. Lucie. He is remembered by them as funny and sweet. Often referred to as “just a great man” and “good soul," he could be seen reading in his garage and giving all the neighborhood dogs treats as they walked by.

Additionally, Frank and Deb shared passion for cooking, and could always be found in the kitchen together making their next tasty dish and sharing it with family.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his warmth, humor, creativity, and the love he so freely gave. His wife Deb has said over and over, “he just made me want to be a better person," which is something we could all strive for. Frank may have been small in stature but was a giant in love, humility, and humor.

Francesco is also survived by his brother Ralph Capaldi and his wife Rose Marie, his loving sister, Catherine Grieco and her husband Michael, his sister the late Michelina Rotondo and her husband Thomas I, as well as several nieces and nephews. Also, his daughters-in-law Tonya, Lauren and Amy, and his stepson Jessie, step-daughter Melanie and her husband Robert.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 PM in the PONTARELLI-MARINO FUNERAL HOME, 971 Branch Avenue, Providence. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM in Saint Anthony Church, 1413 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org OR St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate in his memory would be appreciated.

For online condolences, please visit www.pontarellimarinofunerals.com