Demetrius Dee E. Cap

Demetrius "Dee" E. Cap
May 3, 1947 October 22, 2024

Demetrius “Dee” E. Cap passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. A longtime resident of Newburyport, Dee was a familiar face around Newburyport, walking his little dachshund pal, Titan, through downtown and along the waterfront, greeting friends and strangers alike with “How lucky are we to live in such a beautiful place?”

Born in Judenburg, Austria on May 3, 1947 to Ukrainian refugees Maria (Romanov) and Wasyl Cap, Dee and his family entered the United States in 1957 to forge a new life in Bridgeport, CT. With a strong work ethic, Dee became a licensed crane operator, loading and discharging ships on the Bridgeport waterfront.

Introduced to Newburyport in the mid-eighties by his future wife, it was agreed that Newburyport was where they wanted to plant their roots. Dee was deeply committed to volunteering at the Brown School and the Newburyport Skate Park in its early days, opening and closing the gates daily, reminding everyone to wear their protective gear and follow the rules. Though he himself was not always a follower of the rules, he was also the enforcer in his neighborhood, earning him the affectionate title, “Mayor of Spring Street.”

For decades, Dee was the “go to” handyman for many. Through his work he formed cherished friendships that continued to his death. He was a proud life member of The Dalton Club, remarking to his Dalton brothers, using his trademark expression, “How lucky are we to have a place like this?” The fraternity he found there was a deeply valued part of his life.

Family was essential to Dee’s life. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, C. Suzanne (Gum) Cap, his sons, Demetrius Cap, Jr. (Milford, CT), Andrew Cap and life partner, Christopher Russo (Waterbury, CT), and Christopher Cap and wife, Judi (Old Saybrook, CT), his daughters, Marissa Cap and her wife, Kiera Ryan (Portsmouth, NH), Olivia Cap and husband, Eric Canfield (Newburyport), granddaughters Elizabeth “Libby” Cap and Ashley Cap, brother Slavko Cap, sister Irene Badiak, sister-in-law Cynthia Oliver, brothers-in-law Andrew Gum and Mark Hodder, and several nieces and nephews. Those who predeceased him were his parents, Maria and Wasyl Cap, his brother, Ihor Cap, sisters-in-law Ann Hayes, Debbie Hollenbach, and Allison Hodder, and brother-in-law Rev. Fr. Roman Badiak.

Although Dee never physically stood on Ukrainian soil, his heritage was deeply imprinted in his identity. He was passionate in his love for his ancestral homeland. Therefore, we ask in lieu of flowers to please consider a donation to Nova Kahovka for Life, a 501(c)3 organization that provides aid and comfort to those suffering in Ukraine. Their website is https://novakahovka.life

Visiting hours will be held Friday, November 1, 2024 from 4 to 7 P.M. at the Highland Chapel of Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 2 Hillside Avenue, Amesbury, MA 01913. A Memorial Service for family and friends will be held Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 11 A.M. at Central Congregational Church, 14 Titcomb Street, Newburyport.. The family will have private burial services at a later date.