Clemente “Ed” Caporelli

Clemente “Ed” Caporelli of Woonsocket, Rhode Island and formerly of Franklin, passed away peacefully at the age of 91, surrounded by family on Thursday November 7th, 2024.

Ed held many titles throughout his life, but by far his most valued being, “G-Pa”. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was deeply cherished by all.

Ed transitioned into the United States, from his beloved hometown of Lanciano, Italy at the age of 14. He graduated from Franklin High School and shortly after enlisted in the United States military serving in the US Navy for four years and then the US Navy Reserve and later the US Airforce Reserve, proudly serving for many years. He then worked at Raytheon Corporation as a project coordinator.

At the age of 81, Sensei Ed earned the title of 9th Degree Hanshi Master in Goju-Ryu Karate from Okinawa, Japan. One of his greatest joys was in teaching many students enrolled at his karate studio this ancient form of self-defense and self-discipline.

Ed could most often be found at his local coffee shop with a group of dear friends, sharing in laughter at one of Ed’s famous jokes.

Ed was preceded in eternal rest by his beloved wife, Rosalie Caporelli and sister Nicoletta DiNunzio. He is survived by his daughter, Andrea Ayotte and her husband Dennis of Medway, his son, Lawrence Caporelli of Blackstone, granddaughters, Elise Howarth and her husband Mathieu and Nicole, Victoria Ayotte, and his great-grandson, Colter Howarth.

A special message from Ed’s family, “Until we meet again, we love you.”

“You will be remembered each day right from the start. For the memories that we shared forever live within our hearts.”

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Mass on Saturday, November 16 at St. Joseph Church, 151 Village Street in Medway at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Medway.

Calling hours will be held on Friday from 4 - 7 p.m. in the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home, 3 Barber Streer in Medway ginleyfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to Hope Health Hospice, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904, attn: philanthropy, hopehealthco.org.