Veronica "Ronnie" Capraro

Veronica “Ronnie” Stasia Gawron Capraro, 99, of Camillus, passed away Sunday at the Living Center at Geneva-North, two months shy of her 100th birthday. She was loved and will be missed by her many relatives and friends.

Ronnie was born in Amsterdam, NY on November 19, 1922, the daughter of Polish immigrants, Stanislaus and Julianna (Zientek) Gawron, and was the fifth of 11 siblings.  She had a strong Polish-Catholic identity, having spoken Polish in her home and attended a Polish-Catholic church and school. Ronnie’s father worked in the Kreisel Coal Yard, delivering coal house-to-house. Her mother lived to be 100 years of age.

Ronnie graduated with a degree in home economics from Plattsburgh State Teachers College, Class of 1944. Until her passing, she was believed to have been the oldest living alumnus of that institution. She taught home economics to a class of high school boys in Johnstown, Utica, and later in Camillus.

In 1951, Ronnie married World War II veteran, Rocco Capraro of Utica, and devoted most of her life from that point on to supporting Rocco's career with the New York Telephone Co. and raising her three children: David of Camillus and Bonita Springs, FL; Rocco “Chip” of Geneva and Cathy Hovater of Syracuse. She was warm and encouraging of their various endeavors, always holding firmly to strict moral standards and proper etiquette. 

In 1947, Ronnie spent her summer vacation on an amazing cross-country motor trip, visiting 30 states, Canada and Mexico in a convertible with three of her teacher friends. She kept a diary of her trip which was recently published by Amazon.com. Ronnie learned bridge in college and played socially and competitively until her mid-90s, achieving the Life Master certification by the American Contract Bridge League, the governing body of bridge in the United States. She also enjoyed golf at Tuscarora Golf Club, watching Yankee baseball, and hosting wonderful dinner parties for her family and friends. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who never failed to uplift her spirits.

Ronnie was predeceased in 2015 by her husband of 64 years, Rocohino “Rocco”; and parents, Stanislaus and Julianna Gawron.

Surviving are her children, David (Gloria) of Camillus and Bonita Springs, FL, Rocco “Chip” (Jan Regan) of Geneva, and Cathy Hovater of Syracuse; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; brother, Richard Gawron of Schenectady; sister, Mary Noyes of Evergreen, CO; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be private.