MILL BASIN — FATHER RALPH J. CAPUTO, who served Roman Catholic parishes in Brooklyn and Queens for many years, died last Wednesday, June 19, at age 74, just over three weeks from his birthday. Father Caputo, ordained to the priesthood in May 1975, was named pastor of St. Bernard Church in Mill Basin, his longest pastorate, from 2001-2013. He then became pastor of Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Midwood. Father James King, pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Whitestone, who served as parochial vicar to Father Caputo at St. Bernard from 2001-2003, told The Tablet Diocesan newspaper the two “worked very well together. He spoke from the heart in his homilies and was very approachable and always available to his people. He loved working with the students at St. Bernard School and was beloved by them.” Diocesan Bishop Robert Brennan presided at the June 18 funeral liturgy at St. Bernard Church, with several Brooklyn priests participating. Father Timothy Lambert, the pastor of St. Columba Church in Marine Park, was the homilist. Father King, along with Msgr. Joseph Grimaldi, current pastor of St. Bernard Church was scheduled to be concelebrants.

Father James King, who served with Father Caputo, also served as pastor of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Brooklyn Heights from 2019-2014.

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