Benjamin T. Kapp

Benjamin T. Kapp, Jr., age 84, of Fayetteville, NC passed peacefully at home with the love of his life, Barbara “Babs,” at his side on August 1, 2017. Born in Kulpmont, PA and raised in Paterson, NJ, he is the only child of Ben Kapp (formerly Kapusciniski) and Pearl Valania Kapp.  Very close to his mother’s sister, his Aunt Nell Arnold, he and his cousin, Joan, were raised like brother and sister. As a child, Benjamin met a young girl in the park named Barbara Ann Dean.  He says the name was like music to his ears, and he said a prayer, asking God for the privilege of growing up to marry a gal named Barbara Ann Dean.  Years later, this story would be told to “Babs” by Benjamin’s father. Along with football, Benjamin enjoyed boxing as a youth.  Too young to compete in boxing at age 15, he boxed under the birth certificate of his 17 year old friend, Joe Fowler.  Joe’s name appeared in the paper when Benjamin won matches.  Advised by his coach to pursue a football scholarship rather than a rare boxing scholarship, he earned a full scholarship at NC State University playing offensive lineman. His coach encouraged all the players to join ROTC. Forever a frugal student at NCSU, Benjamin and his football buddies frequented dances at the YMCA at the end of the evening after they stopped collecting admission.  It was at the dance he met the love of his life, Barbara Ann Dean, “Babs.”  They married on Christmas Eve in 1955 at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Raleigh.  Benjamin often gave those around him the exact amount of time they spent as husband and wife. Two and a half years his senior, Benjamin referred to his wife as a “Cougar.”  He remained a loyal, caring husband to her until death they did part 61 years, 7 months and 8 days later. “Babs” gave Benjamin four children in five years. Their children grew up in the Montclair neighborhood of Fayetteville, NC and attended Seventy-First High School; like their father, Deborah and Michael graduated from NC State. Benjamin joined the U.S. Army right out of college, traveled to 32 countries defending our freedom, and retired a Lieutenant Colonel. While teaching jump school in Ft. Benning, GA, Benjamin and members of his group appeared in the movie, The Green Berets with John Wayne.  Benjamin frequently said, “I always wanted to do everything John Wayne did.”  Among his service in the 5th Special Forces Group out of Fort Bragg, NC, he served 2 volunteer tours in Viet Nam. During particularly treacherous battles, Benjamin says, “he prayed not for God to get him out of the situation, but rather, for God to grant him strength, courage, and wisdom, and he would get himself out.”  “Babs” made sure all four kids prayed for his safety daily, and never for a moment did they ever doubt he would not be brought home safely to them.  After his military service, he worked in the U.S. Postal Service as a walking Carrier in Fayetteville until he was 75 years old. Upon retiring, Benjamin and “Babs” moved to Raleigh, NC where they renovated a home next door to family.  Everyday, Benjamin talked about how much he loved living there.  Benjamin carried his love for NC State football with him throughout his life, and he did not miss a home game in 20 years. Benjamin is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann Dean Kapp, four children:  Theresa Kapp Stocks and her husband Johnny Stocks, Deborah Kapp Gordon and her husband Joseph Gordon, Judith Kapp, and Michael Kapp, and four grandchildren:  Josh Horne, Wade and Meredith Gordon, and Sabrina Kapp.  Benjamin’s great grandchild is Emaline Gordon, “Little Em.” To celebrate the life of Benjamin T. Kapp, Jr., a funeral mass will be held at The Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, 715 Nazareth Street, Raleigh, NC 27606 on Saturday, August 5, 2017. There will be a visitation at 12:00pm prior to the service at 1:00pm.  A burial service will follow directly after the mass at the Oakwood Cemetery Field of Honor for Veterans, 701 Oakwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27601.  Following the grave side service, all are invited to join Benjamin’s family for refreshments at Irregardless Café, 901 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC  27603. Arrangements by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27604.  Instead of flowers, a memorial gift may be made to The American Heart Association.