Joseph Dennis Kapusta

"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die' " — John 11:25

 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Dennis Kapusta on December 6, 2024. Surrounded by love and prayer, Joseph peacefully entered eternal rest later that evening, going home to be with the Lord. 

Joseph was born on August 29, 1958, in New York City, New York to Joseph Kapusta Sr. and Betty Carlyn Kapusta (née Blumenthal). Raised in Atlantic City, New Jersey—where his parents honeymooned—Joseph grew up in a home filled with the vibrant spirit of show business. His father, a master of ceremonies and violinist, and his mother, a dancer, inspired his love for music. When his father asked if he wanted to learn the piano, Joseph eagerly said yes, marking the start of a lifelong passion and brilliant musical career.

 An accomplished classical pianist, Joseph had a deep love for Beethoven and Chopin and was greatly influenced by the styles of his favorite pianists, Arthur Rubinstein and Vladimir Horowitz. After graduating high school, he pursued his musical dreams at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music. Following graduation, he returned to Atlantic City, performing at numerous venues and on local television. His musical journey soon led him to Houston, where he became instrumental in running the Houston Conservatory of Music while also dedicating four additional years to piano studies at the University of Houston.

Joseph’s passion for teaching and serving others was equally profound. He became a founding piano instructor at the conservatory of St. Mark Lutheran Church and School, where he shared his expertise with aspiring musicians. Shortly after moving to Houston, he discovered a deeper purpose for his talents: serving the Lord through music. For nineteen years, he faithfully performed sacred music during Sunday worship at Bethany Lutheran Church, uplifting countless congregants. Whether guiding choirs, accompanying bell ensembles, or sharing classical works in both sacred spaces and secular venues across the Houston area, Joseph brought joy, inspiration, and a deep reverence for music to everyone who had the opportunity of hearing him play. 

In addition to his musical career, Joseph’s dedication to service shone through in his early years when he fulfilled a lifelong dream of joining the Atlantic City Beach Patrol. Demonstrating perseverance and determination, he earned his place and served with commitment every summer until his move from Atlantic City. 

Joseph will be remembered not only for his extraordinary talent but also for his remarkable kindness and generosity. He was a man of deep compassion, always willing to help those in need, never turning a blind eye to the invisible, encouraging the discouraged, or simply lending a listening ear. Joseph lived a life focused on heavenly treasures, striving to follow God’s heart and bring light to others. 

Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Amy Kapusta; his son, Jacob Kapusta, and daughter-in-law, Cassie Kapusta; his stepson, Nathan Lierbo; his brother, Albert Martine, and sister-in-law, Gina Martine; his brothers-in-law, Richard Lierbo and William Lierbo and sister-in-law, Julie Lierbo; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Kapusta Sr.; his mother, Betty Kapusta; and his sister, Gloria Martine. 

A devoted husband, father, teacher, and friend, Joseph was adored by his family and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Until the day we meet again in Heaven, his memory and legacy of kindness and compassion will live on in the hearts of those he touched. 

With love and heavy hearts,                                                                                                                                                                                             The Kapusta Family

In lieu of flower, please consider donating to one of the following:

 Lutheran Hour Ministries at www.lhm.org,                                                                                                                                                                  Feed My Starving Children at http://www.fmsc.org,                                                                                                                             Lutheran World Relief at lwr.org

A formal announcement with further details will follow regarding a February service to honor and celebrate Joseph’s life.