Hudson – Felix R. Caponi, 97, of Hudson, passed away peacefully Feb. 7, 2021 at UMass Memorial Hospital, with his loving family by his side, after a period of declining health. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Elizabeth “Betty” R. (Davidian) Caponi, who he married on Dec. 18, 1948 and together shared 65 years of love, before she passed in January 2014.
Felix was born Nov. 14, 1923 in Hudson and was the last surviving of eight children of the late Oreste and Ernesta (Davani) Caponi.
He was raised in Hudson and, after finishing school, bravely enlisted in the United States Navy on June 2, 1943, proudly serving as a seaman 1st class on the U.S.S. Canberra CA 70 heavy cruiser, along with five other brave men from Hudson in WWII. During their eight-month tour in the Pacific they took part in 18 engagements, receiving seven battle stars.
After finishing his service Feb. 13, 1946, Felix returned to Hudson to work several construction and factory jobs, before finally settling in with the Hudson School Department, where he was employed for 25 years until his retirement in 1982. After his retirement, he enjoyed traveling with beloved wife throughout the United States and Canada.
A lifelong Hudson resident, Felix was a former member of the Hudson-Concord Elks Lodge 959, American Legion Post 100, Hudson AMVETS Post 208, Marlborugho ITAM Post 45, Marlborough Fish and Game and life member and All State Past Commander of the VFW Post 1027 from 1969-1970. Felix was a very proud veteran and a true patriot.
Felix is survived by three stepchildren, Paul Mandilian of New Jersey, Roland Cote Pena and Carol Kiely of Worcester, and many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to his beloved wife, Elizabeth “Betty” R. (Davidian) Caponi and his parents, he was also predeceased by his siblings, Frances Maccagnano, Alice Rainha, Mary Ann Caruso, Rainha, Victor Caponi, Anthony Caponi, Mario Caponi and Cesare Caponi.
Relatives and friends are invited to a period of visitation Thursday, Feb. 11, from 9-10:30 a.m., at Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home, 50 Central St., Hudson, immediately followed by a procession to Saint Michael Parish, 21 Manning St., Hudson, for an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial and then committal and military honors at Saint Michael Cemetery on Cox Street.
Felix requested that flowers be omitted and memorial donations be made to the Hudson V.F.W. PO Box 72, Hudson, MA 01749.
