Obituary of Franklin Caputo
Franklin Caputo of South Orange, NJ passed away in his home March 26th, 2023. His golden anniversary of 50 years with his beloved wife Maureen Codey Caputo was planned for this August. His memory will be cherished by his four children and their spouses, Franklin & Amy Caputo, Daniel & Alison Caputo, Brian Caputo & Jamie Shelton, Marisa & Noah Ouziel, and his 6 cherished grandchildren, Sahalie, Bodhi, Henry, Sylvie, Delaney and Shane. Born in May 1942, he was the second son of Mary and Michael Caputo. He and his brothers Michael, Gabriel, and Robert kept their father young unsuccessfully chasing them trying to keep them from their misadventures.
Franklin was a proud graduate of Our Lady of the Valley High School class of 1960 and enjoyed attending the reunions every five years with his longtime friends. He graduated from Shorter College in Georgia where he starred in their theatrical productions, one of his favorite memories.
Known throughout the Oranges as Frank from Fine Finishes, he served loyal customers and neighbors as the owner of their family auto body shop on Scotland Road. He worked alongside his younger brother Bobby where together they established a wonderful rapport with many of his customers, some of whom returned a little too frequently to their chagrin.
Franklin not only took a personal hand in working with his own children on their sporting and scouting activities but had a lasting impact on many local children as coach of the little league baseball teams Beifus Motors and Fine Finishes.
Franklin was known by all as a friendly, kind-hearted and generous man. With a smile as his calling card, he could often be seen wearing his signature hat decorated with a pompom. Even when he was smiling, he gave no mercy during the frequent Caputo family games of Pinochle and Rummy 500. Loved by his many nieces and nephews, Franklin enjoyed celebrating each holiday together with both his Caputo and Codey brothers and sisters in-law.
He will be dearly missed by the many friends and family who have had their lives enriched by his love. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Franklin at the Codey Funeral Home, 54 Roseland Ave, Caldwell on Friday, March 31st from 4:00 to 8:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady of the Valley Church, 510 Valley St, Orange on Saturday, April 1st at 10:00am.