Obituary of Rhoda M. Cappola

Rhoda Cappola –Long Time resident of Meiers Corners Staten Island age 82, passed away at home on December 22 after fighting Pancreatic cancer for the last 2 years. By her side when she passed were her 2 daughters Rosemarie and Valerie Cappola. RhodaKropp was born in Brooklyn one of 4 children of George and Renee (Levine) Kropp. Brother George, and 2 sisters Marilyn and Ilene. Rhoda met and married her husband Richard Cappola in Brooklyn NY and was married at 19. Rhoda and Richie moved to Staten Island in 1960, raised 3 children (Ricky, Valerie and Rosemarie). When the children were all in school, Rhoda began a career with the Staten Island Savings Bank. She was in-charge of student loans. Rhoda retired after a long career at the age of 63. Her husband Richie also battled cancer, passed in 1990. She remained in the same home until her death. Rhoda oldest child Richie (Ricky) married his wife Janet (Byrne) in 1983 and they gave her 3 grandsons, Richie, Daniel and Jordan. Richie relocated to Ohio for his job with P&G. He and Janet relocated, and the boys grew up there. Rhoda's 2 daughters Valerie and Rosemarie both grew up to be successful professional women. Valerie working for the Army Corps of Engineers and Rosemarie a nurse working for Sloan Kettering hospital in NYC. Rhoda battled breast cancer earlier in her life. Rosemarie working with Sloan kept her with the best possible care. Rhoda loved their dogs. They were treated and fed better than most. Rhoda had a wonderful relationship with her children and their families. She was also very close to her niece (Roberta) and nephews (Billy and Mark) and their families. They lived just over the bridge. Each of them has several children and watching their families grow up and blossom was a big part of her life. She also was blessed with wonderful neighbors and friends from St Rita's church. On Rhoda's street her neighbors' doors, like her door, was always open and welcoming. As the neighborhood changed over time and homes got sold the next-door neighbors' children would be in her home just as if it were their own. Toward the end when Rhoda had a hard time walking, she just wanted to be able to walk up the street. Sit and talk to a friend; that was her comfort. They were always there for her. Rhoda's favorite pastime was reading. She always had a book in hand, when finished with one she would be right into another. Rhoda loved to talk, and that's what New Yorkers do best. Rhoda was a strong woman, and always kept a positive outlook. The Virus has made life miserable for all. There will be a small funeral and Mass for Rhoda on 12/24 at St Rita's church at 10 am. She will be laid to rest next to her husband Richie at the Moravian Cemetery following the Mass. We will celebrate Rhoda in the future when life is back to normal. In lieu of flowers donations to the Geri & Me MSK Nursing Fund (www.geriandme.org) would be appreciated.