Thomas Caple, of Canisteo
Thomas D. Caple, 89, of 5084 Purdy Creek Road, passed away Sunday (April 6, 2014) at the Elcor Nursing Home in Horseheads. Born in Canisteo, July 22, 1924, he was the son of Howard and Lucy Douglass Armstrong. At age two, he went to live with William and Ruth Caple who later became his adopted parents.
Tom was a graduate of Canisteo Central School, Class of 1940 and earned his associates degree from Oswego State University. He lived his entire lifetime in the Canisteo area and resided in Hartsville for the past 66 years. He had served as Hartsville Town Supervisor, Councilman, and was Town Justice for several years. Tom spent his entire life in the automotive business. He was employed at the former Russ Davis Motor Sales in Hornell as parts manager, and in the sales department at the former Wellsville Lincoln Mercury dealership. He owned and operated Caple Selected Autos Inc. in Canisteo and later operated the business from his home in Hartsville. Tom was proud to have taught Auto mechanics at BOCES for 3 years. Tom proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during WW-2 from 1943-1946. He was also a member of the Hartsville Community Church.
He was a member of Morning Star Lodge #65 F&AM in Canisteo and was recently honored with a 50 year membership..
He was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, Robert Armstrong and James Cline, and a grandson Seth Moat.
Surviving are his wife, Betty Combs Caple to whom he was married July 26, 1947, Four daughters, Carla (Charles) Agonito of Waterloo, Elizabeth (Michael) Swisko of Maine, Marsha (James) Bird of Florida and Marie (John) Bassett of Kentucky, 4 grandchildren, 2 nieces.
To send a remembrance to the family or to light a candle in Tom’s memory, please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com. The family is being assisted by Gerald R. Brown, director.
The family will be present to receive friends at the Brown & Powers Funeral Home 6 Spruce Street in Canisteo on Sunday from 6-8 PM where a masonic memorial service will be held at 7:45 PM. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Monday at 11 AM with Rev. Donald Maynard officiating. Burial will be in Hartsville Center Cemetery.
