Michael Capen ... made homemade jewelry; at 56

ROCHESTER - Michael Paul Capen, 56, of Rochester, died on Dec. 20, 2023.

He was born on July 4, 1967, in Rochester, a son of Rachelle C. Armitage and the late Ralph L. Capen. He leaves two sons Jonathan Paul Capen and Keanan Michael Capen; a stepdaughter Savannah Libby-Miner; two stepbrothers Peter W. Armitage and John Armitage; his best friend Allison R. Libby; his bearded dragon, Draco; his mother Rachelle C. Armitage. He is also predeceased by his stepfather Perley E. Armitage.

Michael attended Somersworth grade schools, then moved to Gonic, attended and graduated Spaulding High School. Upon Graduating he enlisted in the Army and for 4 years he served as a Combat Engineer in the 78th Engineer Battalion in Europe. He was honorably discharged in 1990. Shortly after his discharge he was recalled to active duty in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm for 4 months; and honorably discharged.

Upon leaving the Army, he went to work at Eastern Air Devices in Dover; then worked at Weathervane Seafoods in Kittery, Maine; and finally, he worked for Walmarts in Somersworth and Rochester. Due to a lengthy illness, he was forced to leave his work on disability. To keep busy he then started a small hobby business of his own, called "Jewelry by Michael" and made jewelry for the common woman. Then expanded by making scented candles and scented soaps with his best friend Allison. He would travel to craft fairs to sell his product. He was very proud of his achievement in jewelry, candle and soap making.

He also enjoyed fishing, target practice and spending time with Allison.