Americo Onofrio Capochiano

Newport, RI - Americo Onofrio Mike Capochiano, 95, of 508 Broadway, Newport, RI, died Friday, October 2, 2009 at Grand Islander Health Care Center, Middletown, RI.He was the husband of the late Lillian Pearson Johnson, the late Josephine Silvia and the late Amelia Millie Chamberlin Burkinshaw Capochiano. Born in Providence, RI on July 4, 1914, he was the son of the late Giovanni and Michelina LaForgia Capocchiano, who immigrated from Italy in 1913.Mike was a World War II US Army veteran who served from 1942 to 1945. He participated in the North African and Italian Campaign from 1944 to 1945. Mr. Capochiano owned and operated the AC Distributing Company and the Havana Caf on Oak Street in Newport from 1955 to 1970. He also worked at the former Torpedo Station and at Murphy Marker as a meat cutter for many years. Mr. Capochiano volunteered at the James L. Maher Center driving the van.The Capochiano family moved from Bristol, RI, to Newport in the early 1920s. Mr. Capochiano developed a strong affection for the people and the City of Newport. Friends loved hearing him reminisce and share stories about their families from the early days.He was an excellent duck pin bowler from the 1940s through the 1960s and competed throughout New England and the East Coast. Coin collecting was a lifetime hobby. Mike was knowledgeable about the value and history of coins, always ready to help someone else with their collection.Mr. Capochiano was a member of the Newport Elks, where he served on many of the committees for over 60 years. He also enjoyed membership in the VFW, the American Legion and the Newport County Coin Club.He is survived by his children Michael Capochiano and his wife Louise of Jackson Heights; NY, Ralph Capochiano of Fort Lauderdale, FL and Mrs. Paula Emily C. Larsen and her husband Raymond of Ignacio, CO, his sister Mary C. Flynn Radice of Newport, RI, his grandchildren, Michael Capochiano of Austin, TX, Barbara Ann C. Brown of East Elmhusrt, NY, Patricia M. Larsen Webster and Kirsten Joyce Larsen Westbrook both of Colorado, Lianne Mosher of Milwaukee, WI and Margaret Cusack of Chicago, IL, eighteen great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.He was the brother of the late Rose C. Sullivan, Donald and Samuel Capochiano, Frances S. Benisch and Emily Capochiano.His funeral will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2009, at 9:00am, in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport. Burial to follow in the family plot in Newport Memorial Park, Howland Avenue, Middletown, RI. Calling hours will be held on Monday, October 12, 2009, from 4-7, in the funeral home.Donations in his memory may be made to the Visiting Nurse Service Hospice of Newport and Bristol Counties, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, Rhode Island 02871, Grand Islander Patient Activities Fund, 333 Green End Avenue, Middletown, RI 02842 or to the Newport Lodge of Elks, 141 Pelham Street, Newport, RI 02840