In Memory of Ross Caputo

Obituary compiled by Brian Harrington: 

March 18, 2022 

Dear current and former Montfortians, 

 Sadly, we have lost a former confrere, a friend to many, a humanitarian, and an exemplary Christian. Rosario “Ross” Caputo died unexpectedly in Padua, Italy on March 9, 2022, at the age of 77. Cause of death was a cerebral hemorrhage. 

A native of Brooklyn, NY, Ross entered Montfort Prep. in 1958 and was invested in 1964. He made his first profession the following year and departed the Community in 1968. He was the only-child of Italian immigrant parents, and a lifelong bachelor with no biological descendants. 

After departing the S.M.M., Ross worked and lived alternately in Tucson, Arizona, and from several addresses in Italy. He went on to a storied career as a global teacher and counselor to disadvantaged teens, orphans, neglected or impoverished children and those with special needs. 

His extensive professional and educational credentials included: 

St. Louis University – B.A. Degree in Sociology 

Southern Illinois University – Masters Degree in Special Education 

Columbia University, NYC – Doctorate in Education 

Brescia University, Owensboro, KY – Assistant Professor, Special Education 

University of Arizona – Adjunct Professor, Special Education/Rehabilitation 

St. Louis Juvenile Court – Volunteer Counselor 

Missionaries of Charity, Rome, Italy – Lay religious member [diary entry follows] 

• Jan. 5, 2018: Today we went to visit a hundred men and some women in the Tijuana jails...amidst unbelievable stench and suffering, these people only thanked and blessed us in word and smile for a few peanut butter sandwiches. Ross Caputo 

May he Rest in Peace. Brian Harrington Investiture Class of 1961 

An outpouring of sentiment was posted on Facebook following news of his death. Reproduced below in purple are several lightly edited examples from friends in Italy:

 I still remember your words, before the pandemic, here's what you asked "Please help in the Mother Church Hall every Thursday from 4pm... you together with Elena Salvaggio and Sarah ... The boys need you badly.... I hope and pray that you can do this" 

“Love your neighbor as yourself. " A man who made the greatest teaching of Our Lord His lifestyle has passed away. 

 Can't believe this is true. We lost a great man this morning. He has been taken too soon.....Rest in peace 

Rosario Caputo Your strength, your will and your love will accompany us forever. You were a great Man. Goodbye Rosario Caputo I will always remember you with great affection Have a safe journey my friend, I still can't believe it, the world wasn't ready to lose you yet. I will always love you and I carry you in my heart forever. Rest in peace, great missionary of life and good Rosario Caputo 

Hi Ross, my dear friend, see you on the other side Dear friend… 

“zio” Rosario Caputo you have made my life better and this world a much brighter place where all are loved and welcomed. Thank you! Thank you, God, for this precious life you have used to touch mine and countless others… Rosario pray for us!

 Go Rosario you've always been a warrior, you've always fought for the good, for the boys, for all those who need it the most.... You are a humble, kind-hearted man like Very few in this world.... You were a pillar in my adolescence, and I will never forget all the good you did to me. You are a special being. I pray for you because the world still needs your infinite love. I love you so much and my heart is close to you Great warrior, we are all with you keep going, fight that the one who loves you is waiting for you Rosario Caputo 

Come on Rosario! Fight this battle for life too. All your friends and relatives scattered across the 5 continents are united with you in a network of affection and prayers. 

Rosario suffered a cerebral hemorrhage on Sunday, (March 9, 2022).  

 ****************************************

The following pics are of Ross Caputo, provided by Al Schebera, who wrote

I also remember Ross Caputo and have attached some photos. I had not had any contact with him in about 50 years and thanks to Louis Miller I contacted Ross In Tucson AZ. For about 2 years I had long phone conversations with him until he departed for Italy. He sent me photos and emails always asking to be remembered to the Montfort brethren. He had friends all over the world. With the exception of the Sicilian mafia everyone he knew loved him. I will miss him. AL

Christmas, 2019, Tucson, Arizona

Summer 1966 Ross speaking to a poor Appalachia glue sniffing youth in St. Louis

Padova, Italy. June 2021<>

Padova, Italy, June, 2021

Italy, September, 2021

August, 1964 - Hartford City Indiana - First day of novitiate
L-R Dick Schebera, Joe Collins, Ross, Paul Baker, Al Schebera

St. Louis de Montfort

Thanks to Al Schebera for this picture of St. Louis, marking his feast day (a day late - my bad)

Montfort Alumni Reunion, Bay Shore, 2000

2005 Reunion at Bay Shore. To see who's who, consult the photo key below.
Move the scroll bar at the bottom of your screen to the right >>> to see the full picture.
If you would like to identify individuals in the top picture please send the name and corresponding number from the bottom picture to edilgen34@gmail.com

Use the numbers below to identify individuals in the group picture: 

Use <Control +> to zoom in.

 

 

Montfort Prep Seminary 1964 Investiture Class

This is one of many photos that were originally published on the web site Monfortalumni.org Thanks to George White for sending them along.  I will try to add names but please send me any for people you recognize whom I missed or misnamed. mailto:edilgen34@gmail.com  More of the old photos can be found on the "Rogues Gallery" pages.  See the Pages list on the right.

 

Investiture Class, May, 1964, Montfort Prep, Bay Shore, NY. Standing L-R John O'Reilly, Paul Baker, Ross Caputo, Kevin Somerville, Pete McGorry, John Massey, Bob Casey, Mark Burgett. Sitting L-R Lou Miller, Bob Borchert, Gil Daniels, Ed Elibero, Joe Valentine, Jack Coyne.