Antonio 'Tony' Caprio, Jr.

86, of Cranston, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2021. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Antonio and Filomena (Dello Iacono) Caprio. In high school he excelled in sports. He played football for the U.S. Army team when stationed in Germany during the Korean War. While serving as a Providence Police Officer, he was decorated for heroism for saving the lives of two children. He attended Providence College, earning his bachelor’s degree and later a master’s degree in Special Education. After working as a teacher in the Providence School Department he become Executive Director of the John E. Fogarty Center for children with developmental disabilities. He then obtained a position as director of the Neighborhood Youth Corps, an organization which employed thousands of teenagers during the summer months. Consistent with his lifelong commitment to the advancement of children through education, Tony eventually became Assistant Principal of Mount Pleasant High School and later Principal of Hope High School. Upon retirement, he was active in the VFW Post as a Post Commander as well as a volunteer in other civic organizations. He was also a devoted parishioner and choir member of Immaculate Conception Church in Cranston. Tony enjoyed sharing his childhood stories of growing up on Federal Hill where his entire family lived within one block of each other. His parents, Filomena and Tup, instilled in him the importance of family and of helping other people in the community. Given his compassionate and generous nature, Tony would not hesitate to help any family member or friend who was in need.

Tony is survived by his children Catherine Caprio Albanese (William), Anthony Caprio (Michele), and Elaine Caprio. He was the brother of Providence Municipal Court Chief Judge, the Honorable Frank Caprio, and Joseph W. Caprio, the producer of “Caught in Providence.” Tony was the long-time companion of the late Elaine L. Chase and the former husband of the late Bernadette Caprio. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren, Michael Caprio, Mark Caprio, Andrew Brady and Ashton Brady as well as several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 10:00 AM in Immaculate Conception Church, 237 Garden Hills Dr, Cranston. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. In lieu of flowers, donations in Antonio Caprio’s memory can be made to: Adoption Rhode Island Development Office, 290 West Exchange Street, Suite 100 Providence, RI 02903 or to Special Olympics Rhode Island 370 George Washington Highway, Smithfield, RI 02917.