Herman W. Capozzi, 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at his Branford home. Born in Queens, New York on August 17, 1936, Herman was the son of the late Vito and Clementina (Carbone) Capozzi. He was proud of his service in the U.S. Navy and of being a long-time member of the U.S.S. Bristol DD 857 Association. His greatest takeaway from the Navy was that he met his future wife, Gloria, through his bunkmate, Pete Zingarella. Pete, married to Gloria’s sister, Roseanne, carried a picture of the two young women in his wallet. Herman was smitten with Gloria at first sight and asked for an introduction. After almost 62 years of marriage, Gloria (Rescigno) Capozzi was still the love of his life. Herman worked as a foreman in the Department of Public Works, Village of Valley Stream, New York for 35 years until he retired. He enjoyed his retirement years in Branford, relishing his role as an exceptional husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed playing bocce at Branford Point, and when he couldn’t participate any longer, he would hang out with the “bocce boys” and cheer for them from the sidelines. Herman loved driving his Cadillac, and when he was no longer able to drive, he enjoyed family members taking him for spins around the neighborhood. A longtime, fervent fan of the New York Giants, Herman never swayed to root for any other team even when the Giants were on a losing streak, which seemed to be more often than not. Jovial and kind, Herman, who was devoted to his family, was as well known for his corny “dad jokes” as he was for making goofy faces. Proud of his Italian heritage, Herman delighted in its delicious cuisine, joking that he wanted to be buried with a big salami. (He won’t be.)  Beloved father of William Capozzi (Helene) and Victoria Capozzi (Leslie Hammer). Loving grandfather of Nicholas Capozzi (Julie) and Michael Capozzi (girlfriend, Bianca Monaco) and great-grandfather of Thomas Michael Capozzi. Brother of Dorothy D’Alleva and the late Bella Marando and Raffaela “Rae” Ferraro. Brother-in-law of Roseanne Zingarella, Tony Rescigno and the late Julius and Joseph Rescigno. Herman is also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Herman’s caregiver, Jill Gagnon, for her care and compassion over the past seven years.

Visiting hours are Wednesday, February 1st, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. On Thursday, February 2nd, family and friends are invited to St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Avenue, North Haven at noon for a Mass of Christian burial and are also invited to attend the committal service immediately following in the All Saints Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Dining Room, 30 Harrison Avenue, #1, Branford, CT 06405.https://www.communitydiningroom.org/