Anthony Joseph Capritto (AJ) passed away December 27, 2021. AJ was born October 2, 1930 in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Gertrude and Joseph Capritto.
A child of the 1930’s, AJ attended Catholic school, helped in the family grocery store, and at an early age, learned to play the drums. From elementary school to Preservation Hall, to the United States Navy and beyond, AJ would continue playing the drums professionally, having a rich history of Dixieland and Jazz.
AJ enlisted in the US Navy shortly after graduating from high school where he proudly served his Country for eight years. His Military service took him throughout the Pacific, the Arctic, and ultimately to Korea. It was on a trip home to the USA in San Francisco where, at a dance venue, he met his sweetheart, Rebecca Sanchez, from Colorado. Shortly thereafter, in 1950, they were married, a marriage that would last for over 50 years. This marriage included five children, born between 1952 and 1959.
For many years, AJ continued to play music with his Stardusters Big Band, a group comprised of military veterans. They played all over Southern California for large and small crowds, and special events. The family relocated to Oak View where AJ worked for Rocky Mountain Drilling Company. Settling into his new community AJ was active with St. Thomas Parish in Ojai, Oak View Little League, and other civic organizations in the Ojai Valley. His family home became a hub for family, friends, and acquaintances.
AJ received his bachelor’s degree in history from San Fernando Valley State College (CSUN), and his master’s degree in business administration from Pepperdine University. He served as a job analyst with the California Employment Development Department (EDD). AJ was instrumental in creating and implementing legislation for unemployment insurance, the “Workfare” program, under then Governor Reagan, and the creation of job search kiosks throughout California. While collaborating with the Ventura County Office of Education, AJ was noted for his work with intern programs and summer youth opportunities for underprivileged high school youth throughout Ventura County.
Retirement did not wane on AJ. He continued to indulge his family and friends with his love for Italian cooking. He supported Rebecca while she pursued her RN, MSN, her careers in nursing and teaching, and he was an adjunct professor with Cal Lutheran and Pepperdine University. AJ also served as the foreman on the Ventura County Grand Jury during a delicate period where abuse was found and remediated at Camarillo State Hospital, where the final published reports led to the closure of that facility.
AJ was an advocate for the unemployed, those with mental illness, the less fortunate, and those needing counsel. He continued his work at Assumption Church, serving as lector. He was an avid Dodger fan, and loved the LSU Tigers, and the New Orleans Saints. He was blessed with the opportunity to travel into his later years with his son Phil and daughter-in-law Maria. He was always happy to see family and friends and loved to entertain. He is survived by his brother Phillip and a host of cousins in New Orleans, LA; daughter Denise (Bleak); sons Mark, Paul, Matt, and Phil, and their families, including eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
AJ will be missed and always remembered.
Family and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at Our Lady of Assumption Roman Catholic Church in Ventura Wednesday January 12 at 10:30 a.m. with an internment service immediately following at Ivy Lawn Cemetery located in Ventura. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the United Way of Ventura County and the Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.