John Louis Caporale

John Louis Caporale – “Cappy”

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Caporale, age 62, who left this world peacefully on the morning of March 18, 2025.

John was born in the mountains of Boulder, Colorado to Kathleen Hixenbaugh and John Caporale (deceased). He attended St. John’s Grade School and Cathedral Prep. He was an honor student and played four years of football for the Ramblers. He was known for his toughness on the field, and during his senior year, his claim to fame was his interception of Dan Marino’s (Central Catholic) pass.

John graduated from Gannon University with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He held many senior engineering roles at Wabtec, GE Transportation, GE Nuclear and Emerson Power and Water. He worked on locomotives, nuclear equipment and software programs. John was a very smart guy earning a patent or two along the way.

John was an avid fisherman. His love of fishing came from childhood summers spent at the Land with his sister, Lori and his cousins Rich, Pat and John Mark. He loved taking his son Roman fishing for bluegills at the beach and for catfish at Camp Sherwin Pond. He truly found joy in the simple pleasure of casting a line and spending time on the water.

John was a passionate cook. He found fulfillment in the kitchen, where he crafted delicious meals for his family. He was known for his famous linguine and clams, pumpkin pasta sauce and pancakes, his kids’ favorite.

John also loved to play the “bar sports” of darts and billiards. He was successful in hustling Nine-Ball pool and winning multiple tournaments held at Golden Crown Billiards.

John will be terribly missed by his mother, Kathleen Hixenbaugh, who loved him very much. She led the charge, at the urge of his concerned and loving son, Roman Caporale, to help John find his way back home. His heartbroken big sister, Lori Colvin, held her brother’s hand as they traveled together through his dementia journey. The family would also like to extend a big thank you to the patient caregivers at The Residence at Presque Isle Bay who helped John navigate this new chapter of his life.

John’s memory will live on in the love of his life, his son, Roman Michael Caporale.

John Caporale is survived by his mother Kathleen Hixenbaugh, his beloved son Roman and stepson Malik, his ex-wife and mother of his boys , Monique Caporale; his sister Lori Colvin (Tim), his nephews Nick Haller (Brenna, grandnephews Noah and Jack) and Dan Haller, Aunt Susie, and many cousins (the Krol crew, Michael Blaine, John Mark, Rich and Pat Wolfe) and other extended family members, Hattie Mae Showers, the Howards, the Firewicks, and Lesley Chapman and Antonio Washington.

He was preceded in death by Gary Hixenbaugh (stepfather) and many aunts and uncles.

Family and friends may call at Burton Quinn-Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, West Ridge, 3801 West 26th Street, on Monday, March 24, 2025, from 2:30 pm until the time of service at 4:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate to The Project Healing Waters, VAMC, 135 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16504 or SNAP, PO Box 16376, Chicago, IL 60616.