Obituary of Aretee Gretsas Caporal

Aretee Gretsas Caporal February 27, 1933 – May 14, 2020. Aretee Gretsas Caporal of Westfield, NJ, died peacefully on May 14, 2020, after a brief illness. She was born to Constantine and Helen Gretsas in Alonia, Greece, a small farming village near Kalamata. Having survived the German occupation of Greece during World War II, Aretee’s family immigrated to the United States in 1950 and settled into the Washington Heights section of New York City. While attending George Washington High School and later New York University, Aretee worked seven years in the Travelers Check division of American Express and was working in the executive office during the launch of the first American Express card in 1958. In the summer of 1958, Aretee met John P. Caporal. After a short courtship, in January 1959, Aretee married John in New York City and moved to Oklahoma City to raise her family. Family was the most important thing in Aretee’s life. She was the true matriarch of the family. Whether you were immediate, extended or became family through friendship, once you became part of her family, you had her love forever. Aretee was the devoted mother of two children, Peter and Georgeann. She was very proud of their accomplishments and endlessly supported them in pursuit of their dreams. Aretee was a source of inspiration, a role model and a guiding light to them. She will live in their memories and hearts forever. Aretee was a believer in hard work and striving to be the best you can be. She was a Real Estate Broker for more than 40 years and assisted John in the management of the family businesses including commercial property, and for five years, was the owner of a restaurant, The Dugout Grill. Her Christian values and commitment to community and community service was evidenced by the many hours of volunteer work for not only her church, but for the Junior League, the Oklahoma Hospitality Club, the Food Bank of Oklahoma City and Goodwill. Aretee was a long-time member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church, where she was an active member of the Daughters of Penelope, originated the annual fund-raising bake sales, was a GOYA adviser and taught Greek. She had a tremendous passion for cooking and was well known for her authentic Greek pastries. Along with her husband John, Aretee loved to throw a great party. Whether it was for the church, a political candidate, or merely for holidays with close family and friends, everyone always left her gatherings with a smile on their face, a full belly, and beautiful memories. Most recently Aretee moved to Westfield, New Jersey, to be closer to her daughter, son-in-law and two granddaughters, whom she cherished very much. In the time with them, her son- inlaw and granddaughters truly got to experience her warmth, kindness and love. Her memory will be kept alive for her granddaughters through the stories they will hear from family, friends, and people’s lives that she touched over the years. This is her legacy for the generations to come. Aretee is survived by her son Peter Caporal, daughter Georgeann Caporal Papadakos, son-in-law George Papadakos, brother James Gretsas, sisters-in-law Elene and Vlasia Gretsas, grandchildren Anasia and Kyrianna Papadakos and numerous nephews and nieces. Aretee is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, her parents Constantine and Helen Gretsas, baby daughter Matina, and brothers George and John Gretsas. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Aretee Gretsas Caporal, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.