Catherine Elizabeth Capobianco

Catherine Elizabeth Capobianco peacefully passed away Dec. 11, 2018 in her home, just weeks away from her 92nd birthday. Alternatively known as Kate, Mommy, Nana, and Aunt Kate, she will be deeply missed by all those who loved her and cared for her. A fiercely devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, she will be remembered for her big smile, a fondness for the color pink, her love of lilacs, her feisty personality, and her generous heart.

As a lifelong fan of the New York Mets, each summer Kate would pray

that “her team” would make the playoffs, and hoped that just one more time she would see them suit up against the Yankees in a World Series. Walking on the beach, a good sun tan, and a new outfit made Kate happy. She loved to dance, especially the jitterbug, enjoyed country music, and on occasion would treat her family and friends to a tune, complete with her signature yodel.

As a young widow, grieving from the loss of her husband, Kate found solace in community service. For more than 46 years, each week she put on her pink uniform and volunteered as a member of Glen Cove Hospital’s Auxiliary, where she held several different positions. Kate was happiest when she had things to do and places to go; and enjoyed nothing more than Holiday dinners at the homes of her brother Mike Rich and his wife Harriet, her niece Gina Demetriou and husband Michael, and her niece Michelle Rich.

She is survived by her three children, her devoted son John Capbianco, who was constantly by her side, offering his love and support, her son Carmine Capobianco (wife, Harriet) who could make her beam with joy; and who frequently sent her lilacs even when they were not in season, her daughter Gwen Shuman (husband, Steve) who loved her from across the country in Dallas, Texas; her five cherished grandchildren, Stephen Shuman, Matthew Shuman, Nicole Capobianco, Vincent Capobianco, Michael Capobianco; her grandnieces, Brittany and Corrine Demetriou, her beautiful sister, Mary Martinis, her beloved brother Michael Rich who was a constant source of strength and encouragement, her devoted sisters-in-law: Harriet Rich and MaryAnn Rich; her loving nieces, Gina Demetriou (husband, Michael), Michelle Rich, Karen Erlwein (husband, Dieter) and Roseanne Hayes (husband, Tommy), who were all there to lend a hand and sit by her side when she needed it the most. Also close to her heart were her many other nieces, nephews, and god children.

She is preceded in death by her dear husband and father of her children, Vincent Capobianco, her brothers, Anthony Riccio, Philip Rich, and Robert Rich, her sisters Dorothy Malerba, and Francis Garboski, her life companion, John Jaronczyk, and her best friend Joan Zabielski.

Her family would like to especially thank all those who lovingly cared for her at the end of her life, especially Rita Misilli, Annie Lato, and the staff at Good Sheppard Hospice. Farwell Sweet Kate, yours was a life well lived. Our hearts are broken, but we will see you again on the other side.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kate’s memory to Glen Cove Hospital, (Auxiliary), 101 St. Andrews Lane, Glen Cove, NY, 11542, (516-674-7365).