Michael Archangelo Caprarelli Jr. of Foster, RI, died peacefully at home on Thursday, October 16, surrounded by friends. Born in Providence, RI on September 18, 1939, he was the only child of the late Magdalene “Lena” (Mariorenzi) and Michael A. Caprarelli Sr.
Raised in Scituate, Mike eventually settled in Foster, where in 1976 he lovingly and painstakingly crafted a home with his own hands. Each board, beam, stone and piece of iron work delineates the story of craftsmanship and dedication.
Mike was the definition of a true outdoorsman, an avid hunter, trapper, and commercial fisherman aboard his boat Fish Hawk. He lived off the land and sea and relished in the stories and adventures that came with a way of life that few will ever truly understand.
He graduated from La Salle Academy and began his career as an apprentice at Rounds Auto Body. He went on to manage the auto body department at Jake Kaplan’s, where his skill and leadership stood out. Through night classes at Rhode Island College, Mike earned his teaching certificate and went on to teach auto body at Cranston West Vocational School. Many of his students became lifelong friends, and in their words, Mike was nothing short of a legend in the auto body world.
For 35 years, Mike served as the Animal Control Officer for the town of Foster. He was also a lifelong member of the Thornton Beagle Club, where friendships, hunting tales, and a fair amount of shenanigans were always in abundance.
Predeceased by his parents and his beloved partner, Elizabeth “Liz” Parsons, Mike is survived by his Aunt Jennie Stola and cousins Donna Yeager, Emil Stola, Rosemary Gavel, and Debra Gault, all of Pennsylvania and two daughters. His family also included a deep well of lifelong friends, count yourself lucky if you had the opportunity to share a meal, a hunt, a fishing trip, a laugh, or a conversation on the side of the road.
Mike was a keen observer of this life, his collections of cast iron, guns, knives and antlers were surpassed only by his collection of friends. His generosity and energy was unmatched, his stories endless, and his legacy unforgettable. Mike lived true to his own inner compass.
On the evening of his passing, six of Mike’s close friends carried him over the threshold of his home one last time. They walked silently as the sun set, his face turned up towards the sky, his body draped by a black wolf pelt. As the hearse pulled away, someone said, “There goes a legend.”
Please join us for a celebration of Mike’s life on Sunday, November 9 at 12:00 PM at the Thornton Beagle Club, 35 Walker Rd., Foster, RI. Bring your stories. There’s always room for one more ‘Cap’ tale.