Rocco Richard Caponigro, Jr.

Rocco “Rocky” Richard Caponigro Jr., 93, of Prince George, Virginia passed away on Monday, August 1, 2016. Survivors include his wife of 33 years, Ruth Ledford Caponigro of Hopewell; a daughter Laura F. Burke; two grandchildren, Sean Burke and his wife, Tiffany, and Kristen E. Scuorzo and her husband Mark; three great-grandchildren, Julius Burke, Mikaela and Alexandra Scuorzo; a sister, Grace Caponigro; brothers, Alfred E. Caponigro, Francis Caponigro; extended family and friends. He is the son of the late Rocco R. and Frances Caponigro and is also preceded in death by his sisters; Josephine Priapi, Mary Cerza; and a brother, Colonel Michael A. Caponigro. Rocky was a US Army Veteran and saw combat action in France and Germany during World War II with the 100th Infantry Division and was one of the last living Division Veterans. He was an avid golfer who until recently walked every round. He began his 23 year Federal Civilian Service career as the Fort Lee Drug and Alcohol Prevention Officer in 1964 after service with the Monmouth, New Jersey Sheriff’s Department. He quickly became the US Army’s acknowledged expert in Substance Abuse and Prevention, crafting policies and programs and conducting classes and seminars around the world. Following his retirement from Civil Service he remained active in Substance Abuse programs, teaching classes and conducting seminars for a wide audience and consulting with business and associations on substance abuse issues. He was special mentor to many and a valued friend to all. His compassion, ready smile and passion for people have left an indelible impact. The family will receive friends from 6pm to 8pm Thursday, August 4, 2016 at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Friday August 5, 2016 at the Memorial Chapel on Fort Lee. A committal service will be held at 2pm on Friday August 5, 2016 in Appomattox Cemetery. The family requests in lieu flowers donations may be made to the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program Virginia Veterans Services Foundation (For: VWWP) 900 East Main Street, Ground Floor, Richmond, Virginia 23219 in his honor. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .