Elena Caputo

Elena Amelia Merlino Caputo, 87, of Norwich, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2015 at Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich.

Elena was born October 5, 1927 to Francesco and Giuseppina (Paino) Merlino in Acquacalda, Lipari, Italy. She moved to Coney Island, New York in 1949 where she resided with her husband, Joseph, and first child, Anthony. Elena took the subway to work at a garment factory in New York City. At the end of her work day, she would often pass her husband as he was heading to work. Even though their work schedules severely limited the amount of time they spent at home together, their love for one another never wavered. In July of 1951, she took up permanent residence in Norwich, New York. Throughout the years she was employed at the Norwich Knitting Mill and the Norwich Shoe Company.

Elena was predeceased by her daughter, MaryJo Caputo, and her son, Edmond Caputo. She is survived by her adoring husband of more than sixty-eight years, Joseph; her loving son, Anthony, daughter-in-law, Susan Walker Caputo and grandson, Edmond S. Caputo; son, Richard Caputo, and daughter-in-law, Dagny Gramstad Caputo, granddaughter Elena Caputo Ficicchia and her husband, Salvatore Ficicchia, and grandson, Bartolo Caputo; daughter-in-law, Kimberly Gaylord Caputo, granddaughters, Jessica and Abigail Caputo and grandson, Burton; daughter, Grace Ann Caputo Mooney, and son-in-law, Michael Mooney, and grandsons, John and Nicholas Mooney.

Elena loved growing fresh flowers and vegetables with her husband, Joseph. The vegetable garden was used for her passion of fresh cooking. Elena and Joseph pressed grapes to bottle up the homemade wine to complement her gourmet dinners at the supper table in the evening. She was devoted to her family, especially her seven grandchildren, and was always welcoming to her friends who came by frequently to taste her cooking and socialize.

Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home, 68 south Broad Street, on Friday, January 9, 2015 from 4 – 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial for Elena will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at Saint Bartholomew’s Church on East Main Street in Norwich. After the Mass, there will be a luncheon provided at the Saint Bartholomew’s Parish Center.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Elena may be made to the St. Bartholomew’s Capital Campaign Fund (for the new roof), 81 East Main Street, Norwich, NY 13815.