Joseph V. Caponigri
December 11, 1933 – June 23, 2026
Joseph V. Caponigri, formerly of Lake Forest, Illinois, passed away at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of love, hard work, and faith. Born on December 11, 1933, as Giuseppe V. Luciano Caponigri, Joe remained deeply proud of his Italian heritage throughout his life and cherished the traditions and values his immigrant parents and Catholic faith instilled in him.
After serving in the Army, Joe attended Northern Illinois University on the GI Bill. He went on to become President of Injection Plastic Corporation, a custom molder of injection plastics that he proudly led for more than 40 years. His strong work ethic and integrity earned him the respect of colleagues, employees, customers, and friends alike.
While Joe was accomplished in business, his greatest source of pride was his family. Together with his beloved wife, Susan Jane, he devoted his life to raising their five children. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose guidance will continue to inspire those who knew him.
Joe had a remarkable gift for connecting with people. He truly never met a stranger and his gregarious spirit left lasting impressions wherever he went. He found great happiness in swimming, traveling, discovering more about his Italian roots, attending church, and enjoying meals with family and friends.
Joe is lovingly survived by his five children: Nora S. Lowery (Anthony Lowery), Mary F. Bolinger, Elizabeth J. Aldred, Margaret A. Strothkamp (widow of the late Mark A. Strothkamp), and Brian Caponigri. He also leaves behind nine cherished grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and joy. Joe’s legacy of love, faith, kindness, and devotion to his family will continue through each of them.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Susan Jane (Abbs) Caponigri; his parents, Domenico Caponigri and Della (Pocelli) Caponigri; his brother, Anthony Caponigri, and his sisters, Mary Ann Carlsen and Rosa Colucci.
A Memorial Visitation will be held at 9:00 AM on Monday, July 20, 2026, at St. Patrick Church, 991 South Waukegan Road, Lake Forest, Illinois. A Funeral Mass celebrating Joe’s life will be celebrated immediately following the visitation. Family and friends are warmly invited to join his children at a luncheon following the Mass at Eggspresso, 2545 Waukegan Road, Bannockburn, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Autism Society, 6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 305, Rockville, Maryland 20852 or at autismsociety.org.
Joe’s life was a testament to love, perseverance, faith, and family. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:2
