Maria Conchetta Capri, born Catholic August 31, 1936, in the Bronx, New York, passed away on the 15th of February, 2026 peacefully after a life filled with love, strength, and vibrant spirit. Though born and raised in New York, Maria spent the majority of her later years in Florida. A beautiful, unique one-of-a-kind woman.

Maria was born to Reina Giananti and Rocco Calabro. She carried her New York roots proudly throughout her life — bold, stylish, and full of energy.

She was predeceased by her son Billy, grandson Mason Carter, and her brother Peter D’Amato of Florida, and sister, Lorraine D'Amato of Tennessee.

She is survived by her devoted boyfriend, Dean Demarest of Sweetwater, Orlando, Florida; and dearest family friend, Adhem Dandache of Sweetwater, Largo, Florida. Maria is survived by her children: Deborah "Mayah" McDaniel of North Carolina, Michelle Grim of Naples, Florida; James Gunther of Long Island, New York; Craig Szczepanik and his wife, Cindy; Desmond Szczepanik and his wife, Uta; and Angela Carter of Baltimore, Maryland.

Grandmother to Nicholas and Connor Szczepanik; Michael Szczepanik. Jessica Karaqi and her husband, Alexander from South Carolina. Stone and Cole Carter from Bel-air, Maryland, Jasmine Jordan and Family, Angela Long and Tammy Cooper and Families from Pennsylvania. She was also blessed with a beautiful great-granddaughter, Alexandria Karaqi. She is also survived by her favorite niece Laurie Sciatta of Arizona and Grandnephew, Luke; Nephews Joe, James and Niece Holly all from Tennessee.

Maria had a deep love for dancing, music, theatre, movies, and fashion. She loved red wine and smoking. She carried herself with confidence and charisma, she had a strong personality. She worked as a sales representative for Scholastic Publishing and owned her own carpet cleaning business in Pinellas Park, FL. She later tended bar from New York to Baltimore, where her vibrant personality, wit and gift for conversation made her unforgettable.

In lieu of flowers, tip your bartender.

*An ash spreading ceremony will be held later this year, to be determined by the family.

Maria will be remembered for her strength, her sense of style, her laughter, and the lasting impression she left on everyone she met. Her spirit lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, and all who loved her.