CMichael R. Capone, of Dedham, passed away unexpectedly at home, Sunday, May 16, at the age of 75. Son of the late Louise (Columbo) Capone, and the late Albert A. (Honey) Capone, and his wife Marjorie E. (Downing-Vitelli) Capone. Brother to the late Leonard Capone, of Dedham. Beloved Step-Brother to Mary Lane, of Canton, and the late Linda Guilmette, of Holbrook. Michael was a devoted and loving companion to John Sexton, of Brockton, and the late Charles N. Goddu, of Mattapoisett.
Michael R. Capone grew up in Dedham, Massachusetts. As a young boy, after his mother’s untimely death, he and his brother Lenny were raised by their father, grandmother, and aunts, a life which provided fodder for many a story of the Capones and the Columbos. Michael attended Dedham schools and graduated from Dedham High School, Class of 1963, giving him a lifelong love of football and the Dedham Marauders. He particularly enjoyed the Thanksgiving rivalry they had with the Norwood Mustangs. After high school, he joined the United States Army. Following his Army service, he began a long career with the Equitable Life Insurance Company in Boston. While working for “the Equitable”, he began tending bar and for several years worked at the Napoleon Club in Boston, then later managed and tended bar at the Randolph Country Club.
While at the Randolph Country Club, where he worked for over 40 years, Michael fostered a family atmosphere. Everyone who entered felt like they were being welcomed by the unofficial “Mayor of Randolph”, more affectionately known as the Dragon Lady. If you were there on a slow night and mustering up the courage to talk to new people, you would somehow leave there with three new friends all thanks to your new favorite bartender. Maybe you were lucky enough to be there for a Monday Night Dinner. Michael’s home cooked menu, prepared each week with love and created a “home” for many in the South Shore LGBTQ community. That passion for cooking and community led to one of his favorite jobs later in life when he became a culinary instructor at the Wildcat Cafe, at Weymouth High School. He loved his students and became the Wildcats biggest fan (that is unless they were playing the Dedham Marauders).
Michael’s story telling skills were unmatched. He would captivate his audience with stories about growing up in Dedham with his Granny and his Aunts, especially Aunt Peg. He regaled anyone who would listen with tales from the good old days in Boston in such vivid, colorful detail that you could almost convince yourself that you had been there. The pure affection and love for the people or times in these anecdotes shone through his every word. His humor and acerbic wit was almost as intoxicating as the drinks he would serve. He would punctuate the end of any story with a sly wink and that sassy smile that would keep everyone coming back for more.
Friendship, community, love, and a sense of belonging are principles that Michael held as a life mantra. For many years, he and a few of his friends took turns hosting Thanksgiving Dinner. If you were someone, who for whatever reason, didn’t have a place to go on Thanksgiving, you always had a seat at Michael’s table. When you got there, you would feel like part of the family and the laughs seemed to never end. To say he was funny is an understatement. He had a quick wit and was never at a loss for words. As a result, everyone wanted to be Michael’s friend, and he had MANY, both inside and outside the LGBTQ Community. He was fiercely loyal to those friends he called his Family and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. In return, those friends were just as loyal to him.
Summer. His favorite time of year. Michael loved his vacations. For many years, you could find him in either Provincetown or Ogunquit, Maine. He loved his time by the beach, overlooking the ocean or the bay, having a cocktail, dining at local restaurants with good friends, and taking in a sunset cruise on the Bay Lady II. Those summer sunsets, laughing with lifelong friends with a VO & Ginger in hand, are the times that made him the happiest.
Michael was a true legend and his was a life well lived. We take comfort knowing he is “well and safe”, enjoying the beautiful sunsets from above, with the loved ones that passed before him and the many friends who are there to greet him with open arms.
Cremation services arranged by Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton Street, Dedham, and St. Michaels Crematory, 500 Canterbury St., Roslindale. A Celebration of Michael’s life will be held in September in Ogunquit, Maine. Details will be provided at a later date.
In Memory of Our Friend Michael, there are charitable organizations that are near and dear to his heart. Please consider a donation to the Christopher McGowan Memorial Scholarship, providing scholarships and financial aid to the students of Dedham High School. c/o PJ McGowan, 203 Bonham Rd, Dedham, MA 02026. And through the Christmas Holiday, please also consider supporting the Kevin for Kids, Toys for Tots drive, held each December.