A bright light has gone out with the death of Valerie Jean Caprio, 41, of Pekin, NY on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 as a result of an auto accident. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, on April 16, 1974 she was the loving daughter of James R. and Jean (Saraceni) Caprio of Grand Island, NY.


Valerie attended Sacred Heart Villa and Maple Avenue elementary schools and Grand Island Middle School. In middle school she was selected for the Gifted Math courses offered at the University at Buffalo. She completed her high school education in 1992 at Buffalo Seminary where she was awarded a full academic scholarship. Val was an excellent student, a talented writer and avid reader all of her life. She also was the recipient of a second place award in a national writing contest. Following her graduation she studied at the University of Colorado at Boulder and also attended Niagara County Community College. She clerked at several area stores and worked as a lifeguard for many years.

Throughout her school years Valerie was active in soccer, swimming, baseball, piano and Girl Scouts. Her love of baseball continued as she attended many Buffalo Bisons games over the years. She also enjoyed hiking, star-gazing, bible study and especially the company of her cat Natalie. Her sense of humor was beautiful, as was her laugh. Above all, Val will be remembered for the wonderful twinkle in her eye and great-big smile that "lights up the sky."


In addition to her parents, Valerie is survived by her sisters Linda Morinello of Lewiston, Cheryl Caprio of Buffalo, and brother, Jim (Colleen) Caprio of Youngstown;twelve nieces and nephews: Angelo Rocco (Anastasia), Christen, Nina (Leo), Lisa, Teresa, Jacinta, Joseph V., Gianna Morinello, Maria Hayden (Adam); Juliette, Joseph A., and Gianna Caprio, as well as seven great-nieces and nephews. She is also survived by several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Valerie was predeceased by her maternal grandparents Julius and Philomena (Scrufari) Saraceni and her paternal grandparents Josephine (Gruppo) Caprio, as well her Uncle Edward Saraceni. Val was also predeceased by her soul mate and dear friend Robert Van de Bogart.


Visitation were held Sunday, October 4th from 2 – 6 P.M. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial was be celebrated on Monday, October 5th at 12 Noon in St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Infant Jesus Shrine, 3452 Niagara Falls Boulevard, North Tonawanda, NY 14120 or SPCA of Niagara, 2100 Lockport Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304.