Annette Marie Capone
Annette Marie (nee Esposito) Capone, 81, died on January 12, 2026, surrounded by family. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, she grew up in Bayonne and has called Westfield home since 1976.
Annette attended Holy Family Academy in Bayonne, earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 1965 from Jersey City State College, and later received a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Seton Hall University in 1967.
She spent her 45-year career as an elementary school teacher in the Bayonne School System earning praise throughout her career, including Teacher of the Year in 1994 and being recognized in Who’s Who of America’s Teachers. After retiring, she continued to work as a substitute teacher in the Westfield School System.
She is predeceased by her husband of 51 years, James J. Capone, Jr. They met at the Jersey Shore, which remained a favorite place for her throughout her life. Annette is survived by her son, Chris, and his wife, Meghan; her daughter, Kerry, and her husband, Mike; her sister, Jean, and her husband, Edward; her grandchildren, Ryan, Connell, Madeleine, Keegan, and Declan; nieces Jeanine, Amy, Betsey; and nephew, Bill. Visitation was held on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 4-8 p.m. at Dooley Colonial Home, 556 Westfield Ave., Westfield NJ 07090. A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 9:45a.m. St. Helen’s Church in Westfield, New Jersey. Interment followed at Fairview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The American Cancer Society.
