Online Obituaries

Donald B. Caplette, 87, of Chicopee, passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at home.  He spent twenty-five years working in meter services for Western Mass Electric and retired in 1994.  Don was born on May 16, 1935 in Springfield and was the son of the late Raymond and Elizabeth “Besse” (Stanley) Caplette. He was a Navy veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving on the USS Preston DD 795, and was proud to be known as a Tin Can Sailor.  He loved the Red Sox (most of the time) and Patriots. Don enjoyed fishing, golf, bowling, and cooking. He had the “best soup kitchen in town.”  He was a member of the Westover Golf Club and Mill Valley Golf Links golf leagues. Donald will be remembered for his kind heart, wit, and wisdom.   He is survived by his cherished wife, Irene (St. Jacques) Caplette, and four children: Alesia Zorn and her spouse, Quin of Portland, OR, Dawna Caplette and Richard Golosh of Greenfield, Leo Caplette and his wife, Joanna of Ormond Beach, FL and Steven Caplette and his wife, Mary of West Springfield; a sister, Gail Smith of NM and two brothers, Robert “Bobby” of Wilbraham and Raymond “Rocky” of Agawam; a granddaughter,  Alexsis and many chosen grandchildren, as well as special family friends, Sue Dingeman and Donna Joyal.   He also leaves his best friend, his dog, Arthur.  Don is predeceased by a sister, June Moynihan and a brother, Richard “Richie” Caplette.  Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 5 to 7 pm at the Cierpial Memorial Funeral Home on 69 East St. in Chicopee.  Family and friends are invited to a military memorial service on Friday, March 31^st at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St. in Agawam at 11 am.  To honor Don’s lifelong love of animals, memorial contributions may be made to Jacks Galore, Jack Russell Terrier Rescue, 658 Summit Hill Road, Washington, MA  01223.