Kenneth "Ken" Caputo, Jr., age 71 a 45-year resident of Bloomsburg passed away on Saturday morning, April 20, 2024, at his home in South Centre Township surrounded by his loving family, following a five-year spirited battle with cancer.

Ken was born on November 22, 1952 in Nisbet, PA to the late Kenneth and Emma (Bailey) Caputo. Growing up he was fortunate to have been raised in a large close-knit family with five brothers and sisters, scores of cousins, dozens of nephews and nieces and many uncles, aunts, most still living in the Williamsport area.

Following graduation from Williamsport High School, he enlisted in the US Navy and served for four years on the destroyer USS Power. As a navigator, he got to see many magnificent sites of the North Atlantic, Caribbean seas and ports in between. It was these travel experiences and ecology awareness that later guided his career path forward toward environmental protection.

He was the first of his family to attend a school of higher education. He attended California State College, where he studied biology. Among his achievements was serving as Sports Editor of the school newspaper and participating on the rugby team. His greatest accomplishment, however was meeting the love of his life, Mary Ann, who he would later marry and spend 45 years together. During their lives together, they traveled globally and domestically, but especially were drawn to the azure waters of the Cayman Islands. It will forever be their place. They were so taken by their numerous trips to Italy, that to honor their Italian heritage, they undertook a two-year process to be granted citizenship by the country.

Together they raised two remarkable children, Lisa Sandy and her husband Matt of Denver, CO, and Kevin Caputo of Durham, NC. Ken was blessed with two beautiful, well-mannered grandchildren Louisa age 4 and Julian age 2. These kids are polite and respectful and will be his pride and joy forever. His fur baby, Marco, lives in NC with Kevin and has provided years of comfort. Ken is also survived by three brothers; Dave Caputo (Kathleen) of Williamsport, Terry Caputo (Barbara) of Arkansas, Steven Caputo (Christina) of Montoursville, two sisters; Susan Hamilton (Joe) of Cogan Station, Tammy Warner (Dan) of Missouri, his father-in-law Clement Tedesco of Bloomsburg. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law Barbara Tedesco.

Following graduation, Ken worked for Ichthyological Associates as an Assistant Research Biologist, before being hired with the PA Department of Environmental Resources where he served as the Compliance Manager in the area of Hazardous Waste Management. Following the DER, he worked within the Environmental Department of Merck & Co., Inc. for nearly 25 years, split between the Cherokee and West Point sites. At the West Point site, his department was fortunate to win several awards from the Governor for Environmental Excellence and recycling efforts.

Never to be known to be idle, after retirement from Merck, he worked for the Census Bureau, as a caseworker for the LIHEAP Fuel Assistance Program, as an Assistant Codes Officer for the town of Bloomsburg, and as a courier for Geisinger Medical Center.

He was a member of St. Columba Catholic Church, Bloomsburg where among his greatest achievement was on the Renovation Committee and School Board. He was also a member of the American Legion, Bloomsburg.

With his passing, he asks that his life be celebrated rather than mourned. He was truly blessed with a fulfilled life where dreams came true. He has a remarkable family, traveled the world, and professionally succeeded in a world beyond his expectations.

His Faith, although not perfect, will lead him to a world of Everlasting Life. In lieu of flowers, he asks that you donate to a charity of choice, or at minimum take a moment to seek out and show an act of kindness to someone in need. He would like to recognize Dr. Ramdin, and all the skilled nurses and health care workers at Knapper Clinic who cared for him, along with others over the years. At his worst, they were at their best.

A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Friday April 26, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg.

Funeral Services will begin on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc. with Rev. Richard J. Mowery, officiating. Graveside committal services will immediately follow in New Rosemont Cemetery, Bloomsburg. Military honors will be provided by the combined American Legion and V.F.W. honor guard.