Thomas A. Caponi

Thomas A. Caponi, originally from Leominster, Massachusetts, passed away on June 6, 2024 after a long and full life. He was 93 years old. Tom grew up in the Lincoln Terrace neighborhood, the son of Rose (Mosa) and Arthur Caponi. After Tom graduated from Leominster Senior High in 1948, he joined the U.S. Army, serving his country and proudly playing baseball abroad. After returning from service in the Korean War, Tom ventured out and traveled to the Detroit area, where he found other Caponis who took him in while he started a career and continued his education. Tom attended Michigan State University and ultimately received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting in 1959 from the Detroit Institute of Technology, propelling a successful career in the management of various manufacturing companies. The pinnacle of his career came in 1990, when Tom was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of Olsonite Corporation. While at the helm of this major plastics company, he earned a reputation as a sharp businessman with a quirky sense of marketing best illustrated by the glittery toilet seat swizzle sticks and key chains he passed out to the delight of everyone he met. While working in Detroit, Tom met Grace Walsh, fell deeply in love and the two married in 1958. Tom and Grace had four children, six grandchildren and one great grandchild. After retirement, Tom spent his time between homes in Westminster, Detroit and Weeki Wachee, Florida, enjoying golfing, competing in bocce ball, boating on Lake Wachusett, staying up late and sleeping in. Tom is survived by his wife of 66 years, Grace (Walsh) Caponi, originally of Grosse Pointe, Michigan. He is also survived by his three daughters; Carla Caponi and her husband Eric of Sanford, Florida, Felicia Caponi of Plymouth, Michigan and Sharon (Caponi) Ashton and her husband Frank of Atlantic Beach, Florida. He is also survived by his brother and best friend, Arthur (“Strip”) Caponi of Leominster. Tom is survived by his six grandchildren; Spencer Horst, Trevor Horst, Lauren Wilton, Sara Anderson, JP Ashton and Charlie Ashton. He is also survived by his new great granddaughter Haydn. Tom was predeceased by his only son, Thomas, who passed away eight months ago, leaving behind his wife Jan. In lieu of flowers, please thank a veteran and hug a family member.

Thomas A. Caponi

July 15, 1930 - June 6, 2024