Joseph Francis Caporale, 84, of Branford passed away peacefully at his home on May 9, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of 59 years of Dorothy Spitaletti Caporale.  Born in New Haven on Sept. 6, 1932, he was the son of the late Michael Caporale Sr. and Mary Amaturo Caporale. A Marine to his core, Joe was a veteran of the Korean War, where he served as a Corporal E-4, Platoon 399, USMC. He earned several medals including the Purple Heart and Special Congressional Acknowledgment for service to his nation in the U.S. Marine Corps, for outstanding service in the Korean War and for continued good work in the community. After his retirement from the U.S. Postal Service, he was actively involved with the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Nathan Hale Chapter 103 where he served as Finance Chair. He participated in a myriad of local and state veteran’s activities including the Branford Memorial Day Parade and the New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade. He was responsible for distributing the Quilts of Valor to returning veterans in Greater New Haven. An avid New York Yankee fan, he was happiest when spending time with his family, cheering for the Bronx Bombers as they seek to capture their 28th World Series Championship. Besides his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Lori Mahoney of Branford; his son, Jay (Martha) Caporale of North Andover, MA.; and four grandchildren, Sara Mahoney, Jake, Luke and Dylan Caporale. He was predeceased by two brothers Pasquale and Michael Caporale Jr. Joe’s family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-Guilford and to Connecticut Hospice, Branford.

A Memorial Mass celebrating his life will be held Saturday, May 13th at 11:00 in St. Therese Church, 105 Leetes Island Road, Branford. There will be time prior to the Mass to greet his family. It was Joe’s wish that there be no flowers at his service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Nathan Hale Chapter 103, 522 State St., New Haven, CT 06511.