Johanna Grace Capasso

Johanna Grace Capasso, of Columbus, passed away on Saturday, October 8, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. She was 82 years old. Born in Newark, NJ; the daughter of the late Rocco and Theresa (nee Palmisano) Pennell. She was the beloved wife of 56 years to the late Anthony Capasso. She is survived by her children, Michael A and DanDee E. Capasso, Theresa M. and Glen Vega, and Robert E. and Barbara L. Capasso; grandchildren, Anthony M. and Melissa Capasso, Christopher G. and Nicole Vega, John W. and Jessica Capasso, and Robert J. Vega; great-granddaughter, Madison Johanna Capasso. She was a devoted sister to the late Angelica Pennell and to Marianne Cogan and her husband Peter and a loving aunt to their children, Peter and Patricia, as well as her brother-in-law James Capasso and his wife Cathy and their children Joseph and Laura. She will be greatly missed by numerous loving friends and family. Johanna was born in Newark, New Jersey and was a proud graduate of West Side High School. She received her teaching degree from Newark State College and her Masters Degree and Doctorate of Education Degree from Trenton State College. She began her teaching career with the Newark Board of Education and retired from the Hamilton Township Board of Education in 2002. She was a teacher in every sense of the word. She did not hesitate to advocate for students and fellow teachers. She was very active in and filled many positions in organizations that supported Education, including the Hamilton Teachers Association, the Mercer County Teachers Association, and the New Jersey Teachers Association. Most recently she was the Chairperson for the Government Relations Committee for the New Jersey Education Association and continued in that position into retirement for the NJREA. She represented the NJEA and NJREA at many state and local conventions. Many times, she was described as a warrior for teachers and students and the betterment of the educational field. She was a long-time member, the current treasurer and a past president for the New Jersey Schoolwomens Club. She was also a Captain in the New Jersey Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. At a very young age she showed a strong interest in swimming and became a state champion in the sport. She continued the love and enjoyment of the sport up until her death, where she still could still complete a ½ mile course. She enjoyed traveling and reading and was an avid sports fan. The NY Yankees, the Trenton Thunder and the NY Giants were among her favorite teams, but she enjoyed almost any sports event. She attended the Indianapolis 500 for many years. Even late in life, she was an energetic “DO-er”. Always ready for the next adventure. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Sunday, October 16 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at Perinchief Chapels, 438 High St., Mt. Holly. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 17 at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Church, 260 High St., Mt. Holly. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Johanna’s name to an educational scholarship fund of your choice.

Johanna Grace Capasso

February 25, 1940 - October 8, 2022