Patricia “Patti” Ann Caputo, age 79, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away surrounded by family who had long beheld her extraordinary kindness toward others and her joyful embrace of life in the face of ALS.

Born on July 2, 1946, in Madison, Wisconsin, Patti was the daughter of John(Jack) Patrick Kavanaugh Jr. and Jeanette Elizabeth Colwell Kavanaugh. She married Thomas Caputo in 1968, beginning a loving partnership that spanned 58 years.

Patti excelled in many careers throughout her life. She worked her way through college at Kavanaugh’s Esquire Club, became a schoolteacher, spent more than twenty years operating an accounting business alongside her husband, managed a territory for a national giftwares company and later sold restaurant furnishings, owned a childcare business, and—much to the amusement of family and friends—served as a bar operations manager during the last eight years of her life, working until her very last days.

Whether working with children, customers, colleagues, or bar patrons, Patti’s warm smile and congenial demeanor were matched by her remarkable ability to simply get things done. Those who knew Patti often marveled at her ability to make every person feel welcome, important, and cared for, whether they were family, friends, coworkers, or complete strangers.

Her love of children was particularly notable. In her young adult years, she provided foster care for newborn babies who needed unconditional love most. This compassion for others remained a defining characteristic throughout her life.

Above all, Patti cherished her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother whose optimism, strength, and unconditional love will continue to live on through those she loved. Her family will forever treasure the countless ways she made others feel valued, supported, and deeply loved.

Patti is survived by her husband, Thomas Caputo; her children, Bernie Caputo and Danielle Caputo; her brothers, Tom (Cathy) and Kevin (Colleen) Kavanaugh; her sister, Kathy Uhalt; her sister in law Linda Kavanaugh and cherished grandchildren, Analisa, Cristiano and Ethan Caputo; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Jane Kavanaugh; her brother, John Kavanaugh; and her beloved son, Anthony Caputo.

Patti’s life was a testament to the power of resilience, loyalty, and faith in God. Her family finds comfort in knowing that the joy she brought to others, the children she nurtured, the friendships she cultivated, and the family she adored will remain her enduring legacy. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the ALS Assoication https://www.als.org/?form=general&s_src=paid&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=eg25&utm_content=branded-mon&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21420053918&gbraid=0AAAAAqEB6OXiO0i6eJNPduS_Fh3lEeeC-&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlerQBhDMARIsAB16H-XVV81X6ZLyN11_w3W6FTk8QjqJciiS_yk7vrWpi4Duod60T84cSM4aAjrXEALw_wcB
or to Agrace Hospice https://www.agrace.org/donate/

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at St. Dennis Catholic Church, 505 Dempsey Rd, Madison. A visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.

Patricia Caputo

July 02, 1946 - May 20, 2026

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