Danvers - Robert Michael Cappuccio, 67, Salem, passed away peacefully at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers on Monday December 7, 2022. Family and friends were with him for his short stay there after a brief illness.

Bob was born January 15, 1955, in Salem to John S. and Bertha L. Cappuccio. He was educated at the Saltonstall School in Salem and then graduated Essex Agricultural Institute after studying Forestry and Horticulture. Later in life he attended classes at the Arnold Arboretum. Bob was a longtime resident of Salem before moving to Beverly in 2019.

He was employed by the National Park Service at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. He was an owner and employee of Cappuccio's Liquors in Salem and also worked at Mill Hill Beverage. He worked with his sister Linda at Strega Realty for 12 years. He also worked for several local boat yards and landscapers as well as private garden clients.

Throughout his life Bob was an outdoorsman. Getting near or out on the ocean, into the woods or in the garden was where he wanted to be. Growing up around the water drew him to boating early and led to his involvement with the Sea Scouts and later to working as a crew member taking large boats down to Florida. He spent many happy hours as a visitor and steward of the local woodlands, caring for trails and hiking with his dogs especially Eddie the big yellow lab.

Always a horticulturist Bob had an eye for nature's finest specimens. He loved propagating and nurturing a wide variety of species in his own gardens and was keen to share his encyclopedic knowledge of plants with anyone who would lend an ear.
Bob had many adventures including hiking, mountain biking and camping trips. One memorable cross-country trip with his cousin Richard Roccio included many stops as they traveled by Volkswagen bus creating many memories and culminating in their arrival in California and their appearance as extras in the movie California Dreaming.

Bob's sport of choice was the two-wheeled type. Through his life he rode bicycles, mini-bikes, moto-cross, mountain bikes and of course the Ducati high-powered, Italian street bikes he recently tooled around on. In the last year he loved to go driving, on and off-road, in his brand-new Jeep.
A Salem History buff and an antique collector Bob found, bought and shared many significant books, photos, artworks and artifacts related to his horticultural passions and his hometown's past.

Always sharing stories Bob made fast friends with his gift for the gab. His generous personality and gentle soul will be missed by many especially his faithful dog Tixi who will continue to enjoy those walks in the woods.

Bob is survived by his sister, Jane and husband Richard Stauffer of Salem; his Brother Frank Cappuccio of Salem; his sister Linda Cappuccio of Salem; his sister Susan and husband Frank Rullo of Salem, New Hampshire; his sister Nancy and husband Bob Duda of Rockport; his nieces Stephanie and her husband Sean Lyons, Angela Rullo and Kimberly and her husband Rob Daniels. He also leaves behind many cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

A visitation will be held at Murphy's Funeral Home, 85 Federal Street, Salem on Monday December 12, 2022, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. followed by a service there at 7:00 P.M.