Montfort Alumni News: 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