Schenectady, NY - Anthony Thomas DeCaprio, a life-long resident of Schenectady, New York, who brought smiles and love to all he met for 82 years, entered into eternal rest surrounded by all of his loving family at Ellis Hospital on Sunday, June 28, 2009. Born on the fifth day of February, 1927, he was the beloved son of the late Ralph DeCaprio and M. Anne Mastin. School years were spent at Mont Pleasant High, and after graduating in 1945 he proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Seaman First Class. In his early years Anthony worked at the Navel Supply Depot, in Scotia, New York, where he won awards for his Quality Control suggestions and his art work. He then went on to work for Freihofer's Baking Company of Schenectady, New York, where he was employed as a driver for 17 years, and on one occasion was recognized as a hero for saving a customers life. Anthony had many fond memories and funny stories about his earlier years there when he drove the Bakery's horse wagon which was pulled by his faithful mares "Bessie" and "Betsy". Later he went on to work for the General Electric Company of Schenectady, New York as a Tool and Die Operator and retired from there as a Tool Crib Manager. After retirement, Anthony opened his own cheesecake bakery in Rotterdam, New York, named "A Slice of Heaven", where he served as proprietor and head baker. "A Slice of Heaven" became a favorite stopping spot for all of the locals, and anyone who ever tasted his cheesecakes will never forget them. With fluent rhyming ability and a vivid imagination, Anthony also loved to create poems, and write song lyrics and short stories in his spare time. He was also affiliated with the Federal Turbine Credit Union as an officer, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks as a long time member. He was a faithful attendant of Saturday evening services at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Schenectady, New York, and Sunday morning Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Rotterdam, New York. He is survived by his three daughters, Roberta DeCaprio Lemke (James), Helena DeCaprio, and Cynthia DeCaprio all of Rotterdam, New York; sister, Paula Van Auken (Dave) of Bakersfield, California; fianc, Mary Lou Cozzolino of Rotterdam, New York and her daughter, Angela Cozzolino of Guilderland, New York; four grandchildren, William R. Rockenstyre, Jr. (Laurie), of Schenectady, New York, Tammy C. Rockenstyre (Keith) of New York, Raeven and Ryan Longo of Rotterdam, New York; two great-grandchildren, Fiona and Mia Rockenstyre; two nieces, Skylar and Shea Van Auken of Bakersfield, California; cousins Anthony Palumbo (Wanda) of Hoffman, New York, Anthony Palumbo Jr., Thomas Pigeon and Patricia Pigeon; and was pre-deceased by his Aunt, Jen Pigeon. Relatives and friends may call from 5 to 8pm Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at Bond Funeral Home, corner of Broadway and Guilderland Ave., Schenectady, NY. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 9am Thursday, July 2, 2009 at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 210 Princetown Rd., Rotterdam, NY. Burial with military honors will be in the family plot at Sts. Cyril and Method Cemetery, Rotterdam, NY. Those wishing to remember Anthony DeCaprio in a special way may send a contribution to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 332 N. Lauderdale St., Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373). Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.