Saverio “Reno” Cappello, 74, died February 8, 2015 in Miami following a stroke in January.
Reno was born in Ethiopia, where he lived until he was 8, and then lived in Italy until he emigrated to New York with his brother Enzo and mother Anna, when he was 15. He embraced America and was a scholarship student at New York University, where he received a BA and an MBA. He joined the New York National Guard while attending NYU and served for over 37 years, achieving the rank of Major before retiring in 2000. He had several careers, including as an economist for the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, an investment consultant and an entrepreneur. For the past 20 years, he had his own tax practice and served many beloved clients.
Reno enjoyed cooking for his family and friends, travelled extensively in his later years and resided in Manhattan and Cutchogue.
He was the loving husband of Cherrie Nanninga, cherished father of Annalisa and Dino Cappello, and caring grandfather of Maya and Jonah Porter, and Julia and Henry Cappello. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Valerie Cappello, his sisters-in-law, Patricia Cappello and Cathi Nanninga, and his nieces and nephews, Catherine Crevoiserat, Brian Cappello, and Madeline and Taylor Applegate. He was pre-deceased by his beloved brother Enzo, who died in October 2014. He will be hugely missed by family, friends and clients alike. May his memory be a blessing to all who loved him.
Services will be held on Saturday, March 14th at 12 Noon at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Homes, Inc. 51400 Main Road (NYS Route 25), Southold, New York 11971. Friends may call at 11:30 a.m. prior to the service.
Donations in Reno’s memory may be made to Lower Manhattan Cultural Council or New York University.
