News Summary
John Kupis, a beloved chef known for his contributions to Rhode Island’s culinary scene, has died at the age of 82. His dedication to family, mentorship, and passion for cooking left a lasting impact. Kupis immigrated to the United States from Poland in 1960 and became a respected figure in various Rhode Island restaurants, notably Capriccio. He is remembered for his warmth, humor, and commitment to bringing people together through food. In honor of his legacy, funeral services will be held in Cranston.
Cranston, RI – John Kupis, a renowned chef and a beloved figure in the Rhode Island culinary scene, has passed away at the age of 82. Known for his long tenure at Capriccio and his deep dedication to family, Kupis made significant contributions to the culinary arts throughout his lifetime.
Kupis was born on June 19, 1943, in Troszyn, Poland during World War II. As a child, he spent much of his formative years in the village of Dąbek, under the watchful eye of his grandfather. In December 1960, to escape the oppressive communist regime in Poland, the Kupis family made the life-changing decision to immigrate to the United States.
After arriving in America, John worked diligently to learn English, attending Central High School in Providence and taking additional courses at Classical High School. He later pursued higher education at Providence College. His culinary journey began at Camille’s Restaurant situated on Federal Hill in Providence, where he forged a close bond with fellow chef Vincenzo Iemma.
Throughout his career, John Kupis became a respected figure in the culinary world, owning and serving as head chef at various restaurants in Rhode Island. His long-lasting impact at Capriccio earned him affectionate nicknames like “Papa John” from the staff. John was not only a master of the kitchen but also a mentor to many aspiring chefs, guiding them with his extensive knowledge and experience.
Beyond his professional achievements, Kupis was a dedicated family man. He was immensely proud of his daughter Shayna and shared a special bond with his son-in-law, Daniello, with whom he enjoyed discussing football. John also found great joy in his role as a grandfather to his granddaughters, Aria and Mila, who were the light of his life.
John’s commitment to family was evident in his marriage to Darlene, which lasted 46 years. His love for Darlene was often expressed through the act of preparing home-cooked meals for their family, showcasing his passion not just for cooking, but for bringing people together around the dinner table. His sister, Donna DelFiore, also played a pivotal role in his life, serving as a confidante since their arrival in the United States.
John is remembered fondly for his wisdom, humor, and generosity. His love for food and horse racing was another facet of his personality that endeared him to many. He is survived by his wife Darlene, their daughter Shayna Cimarelli and her husband Daniello, their granddaughters Aria and Mila, and his sister Donna. John was predeceased by his parents, Chester and Marianna Kupis.
In honor of John Kupis’s life and contributions, visiting hours will take place on September 24 at Nardolillo Funeral Home in Cranston from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. A Catholic Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Apostles Church in Cranston. In a fitting tribute to his legacy of love and family connection, burial is respectfully omitted, encapsulating the essence of John Kupis’s life shared through food and togetherness.
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- Weather.com: Cranston, RI Current Weather
- Wikipedia: Cranston, Rhode Island
- Patch: Thunderstorms & Rain on Horizon for RI Weekend
- Google Search: John Kupis
- Patch: Most Spring Week Yet in RI Weekly Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Culinary Arts
- Patch: Dry, Nice Beginning with Possibly Rainy End for RI
- Google News: Cranston RI
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PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
