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Simon Whitney
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Joe Caputo.

July 26, 2020 · in Uncategorized · 27 · 1.4K

I have some very sad news.
Joe passed away after a short illness, sadly Covid finished him off.

Joe was one of the nicest guys I came across in the modelling world, always full of praise/constructive criticism.
He was the President of the local IPMS club in Ocala where he lived for many years and I know that he will be missed there.

We used to exchange Xmas cards etc and spent many times PM`ing each other.

A sad loss.

Reader reactions:
4  Awesome

27 responses

  1. Oh wow, that hits home here. Very sad to read this first thing this morning. I have never met him, but interacting with him here is one of those fellows you would love to sit around and chat about things other than modeling. The moment he shared with Louis Gardner and Jaime Carreon when they visited Florida a couple of years ago looked like a fun time among those guys sharing the love of aviation in general. His input, ideas and his models will be missed greatly, may he rest in peace as he builds in heaven. Thanks for sharing this Simon, some people do find a way to touch your heart. He was one of them.

  2. Sad news indeed, he will be missed.

  3. Well, damn. Joe will be sorely missed.
    God bless.

  4. Even with the impersonal nature of the internet, his enthusiastic personality came through. In 24 years on the 'net, every single person I've met in the "digital" world who I have met in the "real" world has turned out to be exactly who I thought they were. I'm sure the same would have been true here.

    For the rest who read this - please! It's not a "hoax" and most of us are in the "prime demographic." I'm truly sad to hear this happened this way. There are a few others here I know who have caught it and survived, and from what they said about going through it, a few moments "losing" your freedom is time well invested. I'm sure Joe would tell us the same.

    • So well put Tom.

      A lot of people didn`t take the Covid Virus seriously until some one they knew catches it and passes on. Then it brings it home.

      Joe was such a kind gentleman,we often talked off bench so to speak about life , the universe etc. He was sending me aviation/modelling/ funnies up until he fell ill, and was a supportive person that helped when you needed it.
      His late wife Carol and my wife Rose were pen pals until Carol`s passing so we shall miss him more now.

  5. Simon, @superfreak
    Once I had the pleasure of meeting Joe in person. Your description of him was spot on... He was one of the nicest persons I have ever had the pleasure of talking with. About a year and a half ago, Jaime Carreon, Joe and I all met up at my house. Then we made a trip over to see my friends who restore Warbirds in New Smyrna. We capped the day off with eating some pizza at a great little mom and pop restaurant.

    A good time was had by all of us. I have had regular correspondence with him since that day, and was wondering why I have not heard anything from him in about 3 weeks or so. I had a nagging feeling in my gut that he might have the virus. Even my wife was asking if I had heard anything from him. She thought he was a very nice man too, and was saddened like the rest of us when I told her last night about what happened.

    Yesterday I had my worst fears confirmed... He will be missed, and was a great guy.

    Tom C. @tcinla

    You are correct about this virus not being a "Hoax". My wife is recovering from her battle with cancer, and I have been worried about her contracting it since her immune system is still not what it should be because of the chemo. We have been doing our part to keep this blasted thing from spreading by wearing our masks when we go out in public, even though it is not very comfortable to do... especially at times when it is above 95 degrees outside...

    Blue skies Joe !

  6. That is sad to hear.

  7. Aww that's a real shame , I communicated with him a few times though not for quite a while I'd have to say but he was a real nice guy. I know his wife passing hit him hard and then for him to get the virus on top is going to be hard for anyone to handle.
    Thanks for letting us know Simes.
    N.

  8. R.I.P, Joe. I'm sure you were a fine guy.

  9. Blue skies Joe! This virus kills indiscriminately... Stay healthy everyone.

  10. I will definitely miss his modeling prowess. I particularly liked his EC-121 and Jimmy Buffet Albatross. Sadly I will never now get to rib him about his time as warden of a women's prison. (Joe Caputo was also the name of the warden on Orange is the New Black. I'm sure he got it a fair bit anyway.)

  11. I was honored to call Joe a good friend. We met on iModeler and finally in person during one of my trips to Florida. He was funny, articulate and a great modeler. I am going to miss him

    Fair winds and blue skies to you always, Joe.

  12. Sad news indeed, Joe was one of my first friends on iModeler.

  13. My condolences to friends and family - it sounds like Joe was a true gentleman.

  14. Sad news indeed, always enjoyed looking at his models and viewing his kind comments. RIP Joe.

  15. Sad news, RIP Joe.

  16. I didn't know Joe, but I am sad to hear of his loss none-the-less. He was part of a community that grows smaller by the day.

  17. 🙂 … Greetings … 🙂 :
    Thank you for the news Simon, sad to hear no doubt.
    For sure a strong presence in the modeling community, he will be missed … RIP .

  18. Very Sad news, RIP Joe.

  19. Thanks for posting Simon! I am grateful to be a part of a community that displays care, concern, and honor for those that are struggling and those that ultimately cross the finish line. Joe's comments and personality will be missed!

  20. This is indeed sad news. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Our community of modelers on this site range from accross the globe and yet through our love for this hobby and with the aid of the internet we have all made friends on this site. Joe was the type of modeler that when he commented on a post it came from his heart. His passion for our hobby and his positive comments, constructive criticism and words of encouragement will be missed by one and all. I will hold his family in my prayers during this most difficult time. R.I.P Joe.

  21. So very sad to loose such a fine person. Like so many of you, I had never personally met Joe but I sure found him to be a friend and, to repeat, a gentleman. We had hours on the phone and shared e-mails. My heart goes out to his family.
    He will always be a major part to iModeler.

  22. He was a great addition to iModeler. Very sad to hear of his passing.

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