He was the husband of Renee (Kievits) Cappiello, his beloved wife who he would have celebrated his 65th anniversary with next month.
Matt was born in Danbury, on June 13, 1936, a son of the late Antonio and Grace (Freda) Cappiello. A lifelong Danbury resident, he attended Danbury schools and graduated from Danbury High School in 1954. He served his country with the U.S. Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller stationed, in part, in The Netherlands where he met the love of his life, Renee, and married her in 1958.
Upon his return home, he worked as the circulation manager for the News Times. He left there to join his brothers in the family jewelry business, where he worked until his retirement. To keep busy in retirement Matt continued to work several more years using his vast knowledge of home repairs doing home inspections for ProCheck.
Matt was a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America, the American Gem Society and was a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s Church in Danbury as well as a member of the Amerigo Vespucci Italian American Club.
Matt had a love of life and will be remembered for his jokes (which we all knew the punchlines to), his Halloween costumes, his amazing green thumb (figs, pineapples and oranges), his “Buite-alac”, Ford Mustang and White Corvette, his love of racing and the Danbury Racerina and for always showing up for all his grandchildren’s numerous events, which he cherished. Matt and Renee were lucky enough to travel the world with family and friends . His smile lit up any room he was in up until his last few days.
Matt is survived by his adoring wife, Renee; four loving and devoted children: Anthony Cappiello and his wife, Mary; Alyson Michalek her companion, Dan Reynolds; Cheryl Sadlier her husband, Rick; and Matt Cappiello and his wife, Debbie. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren who worshiped him: Autumn Tammero (Andrew), Danielle Cosentino (Shane), Alex Cappiello, Ricky Sadlier (Kassi), Joe Michalek (Jalee), Nikki Cappiello (Sam), Chris Michalek, Marielle Cappiello (Devin) , Cassie, Michael and David Cappiello; and four beautiful great grandchildren: Paisley, Oliver and Elodie Tammero and Shane Cosentino Jr.
He is also survived by his sisters: Mary Cappiello and Catherine Clayton; and brothers: Frank, Vin and wife, Barbara, and Michael Cappiello and also a sister in law, Diane Cappiello. He is also survived by 13 nieces and nephews, numerous great nieces and nephews, and a great many lifelong friends.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Nick; sister, Erminia; sister in laws: Anita and Paula: brother in law, Scott Clayton; son in law, Joseph Michalek, Jr. and Oma.
The family would like to acknowledge with deep gratitude and special thanks to the staff at Glen Hill where Matt spent the last two years of his life. For all the wonderful people there and their dedication and compassionate care as if he were family. Also many thanks to the dedicated people at accentCare.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am on Friday, June 23, 2023 at St. Joseph Church, Danbury, CT with the Rev. Samuel V. Scott, Pastor, officiating. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
Friends will be received from 4:00pm – 7:00pm on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury, CT.
Please omit flowers, donations in Matt’s memory to Parkinson Research CT (APDA), POB 248, Shelton, CT 06484 or to The Glen Hill Resident’s Council, 1 Glen Hill Road, Danbury CT 06810 or Danbury Animal Welfare Society, 147 Grassy Plain Rd., Bethel, CT 06801.
For further information and to express your condolences on line, go to www.thegreenfuneralhome.com
