Damiano Caponi, age 92, of Hudson, WI died on Monday, October 1, 2018. Damiano was born on November 25, 1925 in Pretare, Italy to parents Giovanni and Letizia Caponi. Damiano’s family immigrated to Akron, OH when he was 12. Upon graduation, he served in the 65th Infantry Division, Patton’s 3rd Army, from 1943-1945 in France, Germany and Austria. After the war, Damiano continued his education at Macalester College in St. Paul, MN where he completed a degree in Business. He went on to work as a manager for Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in St. Paul, MN, Grand Island, NE and Des Moines, IA. Damiano married Patricia Parlin on April 11, 1959. Together they raised six children.

Damiano took pride in his Italian culture and derived great joy from his extensive family. His compassionate nature cultivated a family around him that went beyond just his relatives. His presence will be missed by family and friends alike.

He was an avid card player and achieved the designation of Life Master in contract bridge. He was a lifelong fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes and was often seen wearing his Buckeye gear. His competitive spirit was evident, whether in bowling, cards, ping pong, Monopoly or bocce ball. Damiano loved classical music and enjoyed singing.

Damiano is survived by his wife, Patricia; his children, Nancy Caponi (Robert Adams) of Santa Barbara, CA, John Caponi of Des Moines, IA, Mary Caponi of Des Moines, IA, Robert Caponi of Roseburg, OR, Susan (David) Arvidson of West St. Paul, MN; his grandchildren; John (Sarah) Bonsall, Clayton & Patrick Hamilton, Amber (Christopher) Nigon, Crystal & Ruby Caponi, Clare, Catherine, and Mary Cecilia Arvidson, Sebastian & Collin Oeltjen, and Liliana Carey; his great grandchildren, Georgia, Carina & John Bonsall, Audrey & Chloe Nigon; his sisters-in-law Nancy Parlin and Cheryl Caponi, and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Damiano is preceded in death by his daughter Anna Caponi of Glenwood City, WI, and his two brothers, Anthony Caponi of Eagan, MN and Claudio Caponi of Akron, OH.

A Celebration of Life will be held at O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson on Friday, October 19, 2018 beginning with a Visitation at 4:00 p.m. and the Service at 5:00 p.m. Guests are invited to join the family for an Italian meal immediately following the service. Interment will occur on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Blue Earth, MN. Memorials will be directed to the fund for rebuilding his village, Pretare, Italy, which was devastated by a recent earthquake.