Dennis Victor Caprara, 74, a revered industry leader and farmer in the Salinas Valley and beyond, passed away suddenly from a heart condition on April 12, 2021. He was born on August 5, 1946 in Salinas to Victor and Anne Caprara of Gonzales.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Janice of 51 years, children Brian (Nikki) Caprara, Leslie (Fred) Lombardi, and Sheri (Ryan) McMurray, grandchildren Devon (Josh), Chayse, Ashleigh (Cody), Jenna (Justin), Brittni, Erick, Allison, Jase, Vince, Gio, and Annabella, and he was excitedly awaiting his first great-grandson. Dennis is also survived by sisters Loraine Farmer and Dolores (John) Billman, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins in the U.S. and Switzerland.
Dennis attended Gonzales Elementary and was a proud Gonzales High School graduate. He was active in 4-H and FFA, where he found his passion for agriculture. During summers and after school, Dennis spent his time working on many farms in the Gonzales area learning to do various jobs from working ground, planting, irrigating, harvesting, and shop work.
Dennis and Sonny Rianda started RC Farms in 1971 and RC Packing in 1986. In recent years, he had turned many of the responsibilities of managing the business over to his son, Brian, leaving the day-to-day accounting to Janice and their daughter, Leslie. He spent his days checking fields and talking to his employees who he valued - without their dedication, RC Farms and RC Packing wouldn't be what they are today. Dennis was considered a role model by many, known as a professor to some, and always gave his time and knowledge to share his "tip of the day." Dennis was a past Chairman of the Grower-Shipper Vegetable Association, as well as past Director of the Salinas Valley River Coalition. Over the years, he received many honors and awards, such as: CSUMB Distinguished Fellow-Ag Businessman of the Year, Salinas Area Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Leadership Award, and Future Farmers of America Honorary Chapter Farmer.
When he wasn't working, Dennis spent his mornings cooking breakfast and playing Pedro with his friends at the well-known "House of Nnowledge." He was President of the Monterey County Swiss Rifle Club where you could find him barbecuing the perfect "Caprara Steak." He was a proud supporter of 4-H and FFA and enjoyed going to the county fairs, where he was a Salinas Valley Fair and Monterey County Fair Livestock Auction Honoree and a member of both Heritage Foundations.
The most important time Dennis spent was with his family and friends. True to his nature of putting others first, he was constantly checking in on those in his life, stopping to see them, and dropping off fresh vegetables. Dennis was always proud of his kids and grandkids with their school, sports, and work. As an avid hunter, he loved sharing the hobby with his family. Dennis always enjoyed a good prank and retelling stories, where his laugh was often funnier than the joke. He couldn't get through one family dinner without discussing politics or one day without pushing his wife's buttons.
Dennis, a great husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend will be truly missed by all that knew him and forever be known as "Asen" (jackass).
He gave to all and didn't ask for anything in return. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Salinas Valley Fair Heritage Foundation (P.O. Box 942, King City, CA 93930) or Monterey County Swiss Rifle Club (P.O Box 275, Gonzales, CA 93926).
Private family services will be held, and a Celebration of Life will follow at a later date.
Funeral Arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home.
Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com
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