Joseph E. Caparco, a longtime resident of Cambridge, passed away on December 20 at Mt Auburn Hospital at the age of 87.
Joseph was an artist and photographer, as well as an active community member. He volunteered for many years in the computer lab at the Cambridge Senior Center and was a member of Mass Senior Action, serving as Vice President for the local chapter in the past. Having experienced housing insecurity himself, he advocated for more affordable housing and personally assisted many people with housing needs and questions. He also served on the Board of Somerville Cambridge Elder Services for many years. At his residence, Cambridge Court Apartments, he would host talks and information sessions for his neighbors, as well as exhibit his art there. He also shared his reflections with people in talks at the Senior Center, most recently in September, where he invited people to a talk on the challenges of living alone as an older person. He cared deeply about the effects of climate change and back in the 1980’s started a recycling program in a multi-unit building where he was living at the time.
Joseph was born in Providence, RI, (the youngest of 11 children) and moved to Boston for his education where he received a BS in Arts Education from Tufts and also attended the Boston Museum School of Fine Arts. He went on to get an MS in Education at Lesley College with a concentration in Art Therapy for children with disabilities. He was also a veteran, serving in the Army from 1959-1961.
He worked for many years in the Cambridge School system as well as in private schools, taking delight in the children with special needs that he instructed and led in art therapy and appreciation. Later he found pleasure in working as a Concierge at Boston area hotels and residences.
As a curious, creative person, his art is where he was most joyful and expressive. His own words reflect this:
“I have used my creative talents to teach the arts as a teacher/therapist for children with special health care needs. Since leaving the Boston Museum School of Fine Arts, I have studied and used many art mediums (from drawing and printmaking to painting and photography.) I love TO SEARCH FOR UNUSUAL photo design IN NATURE that surprise me and possibly the viewer.”
He exhibited his work frequently over the years, most recently at the 1369 Coffeehouse, his favorite spot for coffee, a pastry and conversation. Others included a memorable exhibit “Reflection on Central Square-Thru the Glass Windows,” at the Central Square Library in 2007 which celebrated the diversity and richness of Central Square and a photography show at the Manchester-by-the-Sea Historical Museum in 2021.
He frequented the ice rinks of MIT and others, where he was an accomplished figure skater (which he also taught), he loved listening to opera, and tending to his community garden on Green St, including maintaining it this past summer.
His cheerful, welcoming nature will be missed by many friends and family including Cathy Higgins, Cambridge, MA; Peggy Kapisovsky, Georgetown, ME; Brian Magee, Bedford, MA; David Slaney, Cambridge, MA; niece Anita Cristi of Providence, RI; nephew Joseph Cristi, Millis, MA and many others.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. If so moved, a donation in Joseph’s name can be made to some of his favorite charities: Doctors without Borders; St Jude Childrens Hospitals; the Nature Conservatory or the charity of your choice.