Obituary of John Rinaldo Cappa, Sr.

John R. Cappa

83, of St. Petersburg, FL, passed away the early morning of Thursday, September 29, 2022. He was born in Teaneck, NJ. His family spent winters in St. Pete and moved here permanently by 1950. He was a member of the first class to go all four years to Boca Ciega High School, graduating with the class of 1957. He graduated from Florida Southern College in 3 years then attended Stetson College of Law, graduating in 1963. While awaiting his Bar results he enlisted in the Army Reserve, eventually becoming Captain of a M.A.S.H. unit stationed in St. Pete. He opened his own office on Central Ave. and practiced law for 50 years. As a young boy he learned to play the accordion and by his teen age years he would spend the summers in Atlantic City playing on tour boats for “tips”. Through college and law school he was the leader and drummer of two bands, the Sunrise Serenaders and the Dominos, with his mother playing piano in both bands and his father booking the gigs. He loved to entertain and tell jokes. He was a 33 degree Mason and Shriner. He was a member of the Optimist Club, St. Petersburg Yacht Club and St. Raphael Catholic Parish. He loved classic cars and motorcycles. He loved camping, boating and traveling. He married the love of his life, Betty, in 1963 and together the raised three children. He is survived by his wife, Betty Cappa, daughters, Yvonne Bowman (James Bowman), Teresa Hopkins (Robert Hopkins), son, John R. Cappa II (Christina Everton-Cappa), grandchildren, Lonnie Bowman, Sylvia Hopkins, Callista Hopkins, Robert Hopkins Jr., Pearson Cappa, Carter Cappa and sister, Ginny Smith as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He will forever live in their hearts. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Anderson McQueen Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the American Red Cross, Hurricane Ian Relief Fund.