(Ret.) Newton Firefighter

Joseph P. "JoJo" Capello

Of Newton, passed away suddenly Tuesday evening November 26th, 2024 in Newton - Wellesley Hospital at the age of 79.

Born on September 20, 1945 in Brighton; son of the late Vito Capello and Barbara (Collins) Capello. JoJo was a lifelong resident of Newton.

A graduate of Newton Technical High School with the Class of 1964; JoJo was drafted into the United States Army and served honorably and proudly during the Vietnam War.

After returning from his service to our Country, JoJo worked alongside his father-in-law in the landscaping business; then alongside his family at "Capello Brothers"; and for over 20 years he had owned and operated his own business "GIU" Roofing.

JoJo was appointed to the City of Newton Fire Department on May of 1971 and had been assigned to the Station #2 Engine #5 to start his career, and later Engine #10, Ladder #1, Station #4 Rescue #1 and spent the remainder of his career at Station #3 Engine #6 until his retirement after 30 years of faithful service to the citizens of Newton. JoJo had a passion and love for fire service, he earned the respect and admiration of many of his fellow firefighters over the years and served as President of the Newton Fire Firefighters Union Local #863. He was a member of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts and the International Association of Fire Fighters. Outside of the fire department JoJo was a longtime member of the Sons of Italy Ambrose D. Cedrone Lodge # 1069, the American Legion Nonantum Post #440 in Newton and the Knights of Columbus Newton Chapter.

He would do anything for anyone, especially his family. He devoted his life to caring and providing for his wife, children and grandchildren. For JoJo his life revolved around his family, his faith, his friends and his fire department. Like clockwork after retirement everyday you could find JoJo at the Knights of Columbus with his friends at 12 noon until 2pm daily. In his spare time, he enjoyed stopping off for a scratch ticket or two. He truly lived his life to the fullest.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years Antonette (Ieraci) Capello; his devoted & loving children John V. Capello and his former wife Tracy Capello; and Jeanette M. Leone and her husband Michael; his cherished grandchildren Olivia Leone, Alex Leone, Michael Leone and Joey Capello; and his dear siblings Richard Capello, Mary Traer and Robert Capello. In addition, he is survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and numerous friends and his brotherhood of firefighters.

Those who wish to pay their respects to Joe and his family can do so in the Brasco & Sons Memorial Funeral Home, 773 Moody Street, WALTHAM on TUESDAY December 3rd from 3PM until 8PM. For those who wish to pay their final respects, but are unable to attend, please be sure to sign the guestbook at www.BrascoFuneralhome.com. Parking attendants will be on duty.

Family and friends are welcome to gather and celebrate Joseph's life by remembering the love and friendship he shared with so many in his lifetime at a Mass of Christian Burial on WEDNESDAY morning December 4th at Our Lady Help of Christian Church, 573 Washington Street, NEWTON at 10:30 am. Burial with United States Army and Newton Fire Department Honors in recognition of JoJo's faithful and honorable service to his Country and the City of Newton will follow at Newton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Newton Firefighters Children's Fund, P.O. Box 650094, West Newton, MA 02465