Obituary of Richard DiCaprio Sr.

Richard DiCaprio Sr., 76, passed peacefully surrounded by family on February 11, 2022. Born in Amsterdam, NY to his late parents Peter and Elvera (DeSorbo) DiCaprio. A 1964 graduate of Perth Central High School, Richard continued his education at Fulton-Montgomery Community College. 

He left college to enter the United States Army to serve his country in the Vietnam War. In Vietnam, Richard was a Helicopter Crew Chief and Mechanic, where he was one of the many soldiers exposed to Agent Orange. Later in Richard’s life, he courageously talked openly in many schools about the historical Vietnam War and the effects of military PTSD. Richard was the recipient of the Silver Rose from the Vietnam War. As a true patriot, Richard continued his military service in the Army Reserves, he honorably served from 1982 to 2003

After many fun nights working together at a Galway Restaurant, Richard finally landed the girl of his dreams, the former, Kathy L. Petraske. Richard and Kathy were married on September 27, 1970. They started their family in Amsterdam, and planted their roots in Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, where they raised their 3 sons. 

Throughout Richard’s life, he was a hardworking Mason, who was self-employed, as well as worked for the Mason Union #181907. He always stayed busy as a talented mason, people remember him at Smith Paper Company, General Electric Co. and R.P.I. 

Before any job title, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was the kind of father who was not only on the sidelines cheering on his boys, but was actively involved. Richard was the BHBL youth T-ball coach and the commissioner; BHBL youth soccer coach, as well as the commissioner for BHBL PopWarner. When his grandkids came along, he was a fixture in the audience for any occasion; he was always there for his family! His family remembers many vacations to Wells, NY for real camping, Sunday dinners and day trips as a family.

In addition to his mean left hook and being recruited for the New York Yankees Farm Team, he was a jack of all trades. If you needed help with your home or something was broken, Richard was there to help you. Richard enjoyed watching the NY Giants, making homemade pasta, boating on Ballston Lake, and traveling with his wife to wonderful destinations throughout Europe, Mexico and the U.S. East Coat. 

As we grieve the loss of such a fun, loving personality, we pray that there is music in heaven, because our angel, Richard, will be taking over the dance floor. 

To continue Richard’s memory is his loving wife of 51 years, Kathy DiCaprio; beloved sons, Richard (Vaneska) DiCaprio Jr., Cory (Kerri) DiCaprio and Jason DiCaprio; grandchildren, Kaila DiCaprio, Ashtyn DiCaprio, Makenna DiCaprio, Brody DiCaprio, Carah DiCaprio and Karina DiCaprio; brothers, Alfred (Stephanie) DiCaprio and Ronald (Audie) DiCaprio. 

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, February 15th from 5 to 7 PM at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, February 16th, at 10 AM. Service will be live streamed on https://www.facebook.com/GlenvilleFuneralHome/ 

Patriot Guard procession to Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National will follow service. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Tri-county Council Vietnam Era Veterans, 142 Catherine St, Albany, NY 12202. Online condolences at glenvillefuneralhome.com