Carmel Mourns Capone’s Death

Michael Capone Family and friends are mourning the passing this week of Michael Capone.

The 19-year-old 2007 graduate of Carmel High School was killed early Sunday when, according to East Fishkill Police, his 2004 Pontiac went out of control on Holmes Road, less than a half-mile from the Putnam County line, and struck a utility pole before spinning around and slamming into a tree. Sgt. Corey Ehrhart said Capone was wearing a seatbelt at the time.

The sergeant said there were apparently no witnesses to the tragic crash, as a passerby driving along the narrow and winding road a short time later observed the crushed wreckage and summoned authorities.

East Fishkill Fire Department Rescue Squad personnel rushed to the scene but Capone was pronounced dead.

On Monday Carmel High School Principal Kevin Carroll remembered Michael as a “nice young man who would give you the clothing off his back if requested. He was on our football team and was a genuinely good person. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”

CHS Assistant Principal Wendy Gentile agreed that Michael was an “awesome kid. He was well liked by students and teachers alike.”

Michael is survived by his mother, NancyAnne, and two siblings. Michael’s dad recently passed away from a massive heart attack.

On Monday, Father Anthony Sorgie, pastor of St. James Church in Carmel, met with the family at their residence in Holmes.

The priest remembered Michael as an altar boy at St. James Church who attended religious education classes. Father Sorgie said, “Michael had just dropped his girlfriend off at her home and was a couple of blocks away from his house when a deer darted into the path of his car, forcing Michael to lose control.”

The priest said his presence meant so much to the family: “We sat around the kitchen table and prayed together. The family is an emotional wreck. Nancy- Anne, who teaches CCD at our religious school, asked me over and over again: ‘Why did God need my son at such an early age?’ I couldn’t answer her but I do know that Michael will be with us and the Lord forever.”

Michael was employed as a grocery clerk at D’Agostino’s Market in Cross River. The store manager Dean Durocher remembered his nephew as an “extremely conscientious worker who would do anything for anyone. Everybody loved Michael. He was a special young man.”

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Michael Capone Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of NancyAnne LaBarbera, T.D. Banknorth, 96 Gleneida Avenue, Carmel, NY 10512.

A funeral Mass will be held Thursday at St. James the Apostle Church in Carmel at 11am. Interment will follow at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Valhalla.