Anthony "Tony" Caputo

Anthony “Tony” J. Caputo was born on October 21, 1946, in Worcester, Massachusetts, to John and Jennie “Jean” (Perrone) Caputo. He passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at UMass Memorial Medical Center, surrounded by loved ones.

A graduate of Worcester State University, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, Tony devoted his career to the Worcester public schools. He taught and served as principal at Gates Lane and Flagg Street schools before becoming the founding principal of the Jacob Hiatt Magnet School in 1990, a role he held until 2006. With boundless care and encouragement, he supported both students and staff, implementing innovative reforms that included school-wide community service projects, universal breakfast programs, two-way bilingual classes, voluntary uniforms, extended school days, alternative assessment strategies through Project Zero, and enhanced teacher development. These efforts earned the school national recognition, including a National Award for Model Professional Development in 2000 and a Blue Ribbon award in 2001.

Beyond his professional life, Tony was an avid reader and passionate collector of early and pre-American antiques. He participated in the Brimfield Antique Show for many years and operated his own business, with particular interests in model cars, pottery, and glassware. He and his wife, Bettyann, spent many cherished summers at their home in York, Maine, accompanied by their beloved sheepdogs. There they enjoyed beach outings, visits to Nubble Lighthouse, cookouts, and time with family and friends.

Tony is survived by his wife, Bettyann (Gold) Reck-Caputo of Worcester; his sister, Raquel Irving of Pompano Beach, Florida; daughter Robin Rubin and son-in-law Robert Rubin of York, Maine; son Andrew Reck and daughter-in-law Louise Reck of Wayland, Massachusetts; granddaughters Julia, Sofia, and Madeleine Reck; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Joshua Reck; brother, Ralph Caputo; brother-in-law, Richard Irving; sister-in-law, Carole Calo; and brother-in-law, Andrew Calo. He was remembered as the most kindhearted and patient person, a devoted soulmate to Bettyann, a loving and supportive father and grandfather, and a steadfast friend whose quiet vibrancy and wisdom will be deeply missed by all who knew him.