Benito Capilupi Of Eatontown Dies At 90

Courtesy of Damiano Funeral Home

Benito Capilupi of Eatontown, NJ passed away suddenly at CareOne at King James in Atlantic Highlands on January 23, 2018. He was 90.

Benito was born in Catanzaro, located within the province of Calabria in southern Italy. He emigrated to America with his wife, Antonietta Capilupi, in 1967 after they were married in the mountains of the Sila National Park of Italy in 1966. They originally settled in the Long Branch area prior to moving to Eatontown. Benito proudly and quickly became an American citizen and powered through the struggles he and his wife faced upon moving to this new land of opportunity.

Back in Italy, Benito was an officer in the Italian Army after WWII. He was in command of an armored tank division for most of the duration of his military service prior to applying his master’s degree in a combined discipline of architecture and surveying as a civilian. He designed and completed many projects in his native province of Calabria, including some on the beautiful Catanzaro Lido waterfront. He also did some freelance work of this type in the U.S. prior to taking on a full-time position with the Eatontown Board of Education where eventually he would retire as a maintenance director.

Benito always put his family first and his genuine kindness among family and friends was very evident to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Those that knew Benito best will also recall the intensity with which he carried himself, whether it be work or pleasure, as he was very goal-oriented regardless of the task at hand. His hobbies and interests included pheasant hunting, surf fishing, muscle cars, horse racing and, most importantly, spending quality time with family and friends.

Benito was an excellent father and husband. He incessantly encouraged and motivated his only son to work hard and to always stand up for what is right regardless of challenges and thoroughly cherished the lifetime he spent with his wife Antonietta, his partner.

Benito was predeceased by his parents, Luigi and Savina Capilupi (Italy); his brothers Ferruccio, Ettore, Libero, and Malio Capilupi; his sister Sara Crispino and his wife of over 50 years, Antonietta Capilupi. Surviving are his son and daughter-in-law, Savino and Theresa Capilupi of Holmdel and his 7-year-old grandson Anthony Capilupi (whom he absolutely adored). Benito is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews across the U.S. and in his native Italy.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 29 at the Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Avenue in Long Branch, NJ. A funeral service will follow at the funeral home at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in West Long Branch. The family invites you to share your condolences and stories about Benito.

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