Richard H. "Rick" Cappo

Richard H. “Rick” Cappo, devoted husband, father, grandfather, entrepreneur, and lifelong Baton Rouge resident, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Thursday, August 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. 

Born with an unstoppable drive and an endless curiosity, Rick was never one to sit idle. After 12 years at Kaiser Aluminum, he turned an unexpected layoff into an opportunity, founding C & C Cabinet Works, Inc. and later Richard H. Cappo Construction, two successful Baton Rouge businesses that stand as testaments to his vision, perseverance, and work ethic. 

Rick built far more than cabinets and buildings — he built opportunity for others. He employed friends, brothers, brothers-in-laws, and former colleagues, giving many their start after hard times. He expanded his work from custom cabinets to multifamily developments such as The Park at Bluebonnet, Live Oak Trace, The Park at Covington, Citiscape at Essen, Shadowbrook Lakes, and numerous other properties, leaving a lasting mark on Baton Rouge’s landscape. 

But Rick’s greatest legacy wasn’t in business — it was in people. He was a husband whose partnership with his beloved wife Carolyn spanned decades of love, faith, and adventure. He was a father whose joy was found in raising his precious daughter, Brandi and later seeing her build a family of her own. To his grandchildren, he was a larger-than-life presence, a storyteller, and a steady encourager, whom they referred to as “Super Pappy”. To countless others, he was a mentor, a second father, and a man who never missed a chance to give someone a shot at success.

As an avid hunter and fisherman, Rick loved being outside in nature enjoying God’s Creation and loved sharing the outdoors with others. Those who knew Rick will remember his infectious joy, his gift of storytelling, and his passion for living life with purpose. As his family has often said, Rick was an “impact player” — he didn’t just move through life, he changed lives. 

Rick is survived by his loving wife Carolyn Whiddon Cappo; his daughter, Brandi Cappo Rinaudo, and her husband, Chris Rinaudo; his three granddaughters, Brenley Claire Rinaudo, Gracen Caroline Rinaudo, Hadley Catherine Rinaudo; whom he adored more than anyone could ever imagine; his brother, Ronnie Cappo (Ann); his mother-in-law, Leatrice Whiddon (“Momma”); his two brothers-in-law; Terry Whiddon and Ronnie Whiddon (Diane); his loving nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family and friends whose lives were better because of him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry Anthony Cappo and Lily Drago Cappo; his father-in-law, Claude Whiddon; his brother, Randy Cappo; and his sister-in-law, Charlene Whiddon.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 11am at Parkview Baptist Church, 11795 Jefferson Hwy. in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse in Rick’s memory.

Thank you to our wonderful caring hospice Caregivers, Ann and Dru. And thank you to Merrion and the amazing caregiving team at Moore Care. 

Rick’s life was one of faith, family, and hard work — and his legacy will continue to live on in the people and communities he built.