Obituary of Dr. John J. Cappello

Dr. John J. Cappello, age 88, of Weston, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at home surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 11, 1937, in Bridgeport, he was the son of the late Joseph and Leta (Mallozzi) Cappello.

Raised in Bridgeport's The Hollow neighborhood, John was a gifted athlete and scholar. A standout pitcher at Central High School, he earned All-District honors and academic accolades while frequently gracing the local sports pages. His talent earned him an opportunity to attend Duke University, where he majored in chemistry and helped lead the Blue Devils baseball team to two consecutive ACC titles.

After serving in the U.S. Army Reserve, John pursued his calling in dentistry. He graduated in the top 10% of his class from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and returned to Connecticut, where he opened a family dental practice on Madison Avenue in Trumbull. For over 30 years, Dr. Cappello was cherished by patients for his gentle touch, playful spirit, and the laughter that filled his office.

In 1962, he married the love of his life, Sandra Marie (Yoney) Cappello, who predeceased him. Together they raised four children and built a warm, lively home on Codfish Lane in Weston—known to John as "Baccala Lane"—filled with pool parties, holiday gatherings, and joyful celebrations where he was always the life of the party.

A devoted family man, John instilled his love of sports in his children and grandchildren, coaching youth teams and rarely missing a game. He was an avid New York Yankees fan, enjoyed memorable family road trips, and in later years became a skilled golfer, achieving a single-digit handicap, scoring a hole-in-one, and forming lasting friendships at Tashua Knolls. He also bowled in a senior league and cherished time with his grandchildren, passing along life lessons rooted in hard work, kindness, and competitiveness.

In recognition of his athletic achievements and character, John received the George Sherman Memorial Award from the Oldtimers Athletic Association of Greater Bridgeport. He lived with a generous heart, a beaming smile, and an unmatched zest for life, inspiring all who knew him to reach their fullest potential.

He is survived by his four loving children—Kimberlee Fischer and her husband Doug, John Cappello Jr. and his wife Rachel, Tiffany Sisson and her husband Craig, and Dr. William Cappello—along with seven cherished grandchildren: Cassie, Luke, Nick, Jake, Jared, Samantha, and Jack. He was predeceased by his grandson Josh Cappello. He also leaves behind sisters-in-law Carol Paolillo and her husband Lou, Candy Fusco and her husband Ed, and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 35 Norfield Road, Weston.

Interment will be held privately. At John's request, there will be no calling hours. Arrangements are entrusted to the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, Trumbull. Online condolences may be left at www.abriola.com.