Michael J. Capasso

Michael J. Capasso, born September 17, 1931, in Brooklyn, New York, died peacefully on April 25, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri. Mike "Mickey,” son of Augustine and Nancy Capasso, brother to Patrick Capasso, Salvatore “Toby” Capasso (Betty), and Virginia Brincat (Robert), is survived by his younger brother, Anthony Capasso (Carol). Michael was married for 66 years to the love of his life, Arlene, who passed away on July 8, 2025. Mike is survived by his children, David Capasso (Tracy Helms-Capasso) and Elizabeth Capasso-Gulve (Michael Lampe). He lives on through his grandchildren, Michael and Anthony Gulve (Caroline), Gabriel and Nathan Helms-Capasso, his great-granddaughter Violet Gulve, as well as many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Mike graduated from Brooklyn Tech High School and City College of New York (CCNY), earning a degree in civil engineering. His position with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey shaped his 33-year career. He was extremely proud to have contributed to the construction of the World Trade Center and John F. Kennedy Airport. He was passionate about learning and studied history, politics, and world news. He was pivotal in convincing his wife to return to school full-time and supported her decision to earn her BS from Brooklyn College and her Master’s from Fordham University.

Mike loved jazz and swing music and was a passionate fan of the New York Jets, the Brooklyn Dodgers, and the New York Mets. The baseball diamond was a sacred place where he played and coached many young boys from the old neighborhood near St. Mark’s Ave.

He lovingly and responsibly helped raise and support his younger brothers, his mother, and his grandpa, Anthony DiBlasi, when his father died suddenly at an early age. He would become a devoted husband and father, involved in all aspects of his family’s lives. Michael’s most cherished times were with family, enjoying the holidays, visiting the Brooklyn Zoo, and exploring Sheepshead Bay. He knew every inch of Manhattan and loved pizza, especially “Frank’s”, his favorite pizzeria. In his retirement, he took well-deserved time to relax at home with his wife, Arlene, in Marine Park and drive to Coney Island to watch the Cyclones’ games.

In 2022, Mike and Arlene moved from Brooklyn to Webster Groves, Missouri. Only a short drive from their daughter, Liz, and her family, they enjoyed eating Sunday brunch, listening to music, and watching baseball. Dave and his family frequently drove up from New Orleans to spend time together. Mike can rest in peace knowing he taught his children and grandchildren the importance of education, the value of loving deeply, and the meaning of family.

Visitation will be held at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, 6464 Chippewa Street, St. Louis, MO 63109, US, on May 6, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and the Funeral will take place there on May 7, 2026, at 10:00 am.

Visitation will also be held at Cusimano & Russo Funeral Home, 2005 West 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223, US, on May 12, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Church of Sts. Simon & Jude, 185 Van Sicklen St, New York, NY 11223, US, on May 13, 2026, at 9:45 am, followed by Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, 3620 Tilden Ave, New York, NY 11203, US, on May 13, 2026, at 11:30 am.