Florence D. Capellupo

Florence D. Capellupo, 91, formerly of Wyomissing and Reading, died February 25, 2012 in ManorCare, Sinking Spring.

She was predeceased by her husband of 36 years, Vincent W. Capellupo, a World War II veteran who achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. He died in 1978.

Born in Casserta, Campagna, Italy, she was a daughter of the late Michele Gazzillo and Anna (Terino) Gazzillo. Her sister, Rose, and brother, Nicholas, preceded her in death.

Florence attended Reading Catholic High School, which at the time was affiliated with St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church. She was a lifelong member of Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church.

She was a seamstress for over 40 years at various local knitting mills, retiring in 1978. She was a highly skilled seamstress, even making her daughter, Carmela's First Communion dress, May Queen gown, and wedding gown for her marriage to Thomas W. Beaver.

Florence was also renowned for her extraordinary cooking and baking skills. Food was love to her. She fed her children and grandchildren with devotion and love, as well as abundance. She left a family legacy of many unparalleled recipes, all of which she devised herself, from scratch, including her famous three-tiered, whipped cream-iced, strawberry shortcake. Her children and grandchildren continue her legacy of culinary excellence.

She is survived, still loved, and greatly missed by her two children: Carmela Capellupo-Beaver, wife of Attorney Thomas W. Beaver, Wyomssing, and Joseph V. Capellupo, Wyomissing.

Also surviving are her six adult grandchildren: Anna C. (Beaver), wife of Scott Schweigert, Vincent W.C. Beaver, Maria R.C. Beaver, Thomas A.C. Beaver, Alicia (Capellupo), wife of Greg Lynch and Stephanie Capellupo. Each of them loved her dearly and will share in the memories of Nana's involvement in their lives for many years.

She is also survived by one great-grandchild, Levi Jazz Schweigert. A private Mass of Christian burial was celebrated in St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church, Millmont, officiated by Father Larry J. Hess. Services in Gethsemane Cemetery were also private. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Kennedy House Soup Kitchen and Food Bank 532 Spruce Street Reading, PA 19602, 610-378-1947, Attention: Sister Eloina Alvarez or Shrine of St. John Neumann 1019 North 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, 215-637-3080, Attention: Mary Argenbreight.