Reginald Gonzaga Vaiyon Caphart was born on June 5, 1957, in Seonkpa, Mount Barclay, Margibi County, Republic of Liberia, unto the union of Isaac “General Cape” Caphart and Menzohn Sundaymah Bartooh Caphart.
Reginald, affectionately called Vaiyon by his family and Reggie or Gonzaga by his friends, grew up in a family of many siblings and extended family members whom he loved dearly. During his formative years in Brick Camp One, Harbel, his father, his maternal grandmother and his elder brother George were key influences on the paths he would take. His father’s use of (what Reggie later came to know as) the laws of physics in his job as a heavy duty tow-truck driver for the Firestone Plantation Company (Firestone), influenced Reggie to pursue engineering; his brother George’s love of music led him to have a passion for music which made him the legendary DJ that he became; and his grandmother’s love, loyalty and friendship led Reggie to be the loyal friend he was to many.
Reggie received his early education from the Karlong School in Firestone, Mt. Barclay Elementary School, and the Broad Street Elementary in Monrovia. He continued his education at the Owensgrove Junior High School and then the Harbel Junior High School in Firestone. Reggie matriculated to Carroll High School in Grassfield, Yekepa, Nimba County, Republic of Liberia, graduating as class valedictorian.
After completing high school, Reggie relocated to Monrovia to study engineering at the University of Liberia with academic scholarships from Firestone and the Liberian-American-Swedish Mining Company (LAMCO) of Yekepa. Reggie was a brilliant mind who also loved a good time. His love of music led him to establish his own radio station, operated out of his dormitory and dedicated primarily to playing music. As was done with his secondary education, Reggie completed his college education with honors.
His academic accomplishments led to support from his professor and mentor, Dr. Ntungwa Maasha to apply for admission to the College of Engineering at Dr. Maasha’s alma mater, Columbia University in New York City. He was accepted and awarded an academic scholarship to obtain a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Columbia. Reggie moved to the United States attained his Master’s from Columbia and called New York City home until his passing.
Reggie was a humble person and not one to brag on himself or point out his many accomplishments. His life was also dedicated to public service. His public service began with assisting in the supervision of the expansion of the White Plains Water Treatment Plant in Liberia with two fellow engineers and friends William G. Nyanue and N. Hun-Bu Tulay, under the aegis of the Liberian Water and Sewer Corporation.
Reggie continued his public service in his adopted home beginning with his employment as a City Planner in the New York City Department of City Planning in February 1988. He later worked as a Civil Engineer at the NYC Department of Transportation and eventually transferred to the Topography Department of the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President where he rose to Assistant Chief Engineer – a position he held until his retirement due to illness in June 2017. During his tenure as a New York City public servant, Reggie worked on noteworthy projects including serving on the Stakeholders Advisory Committee for the Kosciuszko Bridge Project focused on improving the bridge and its connections to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and the Long Island Expressway Interchange in Queens; and the NYS Geographic Information System Strategic Planning Project to support the New York Statewide Spatial Data Infrastructure. He also served as President of Chapter 19 (Borough President’s Offices) of the Civil Service Technical Guild/Union Local 375, DC37, AFSCME, AFL-CIO, New York City.
Reggie never lost his passion for music. He was a Civil Engineer by day and a DJ by night and weekends, providing his DJ services under his entertainment venture, Pekin-Pekin Productions. His extensive music collection was built over three plus decades, beginning with weekly pay-day purchases from J&R Music World, close to his office in lower Manhattan, and continued over the years with CD purchases and digital downloads. His friends’ many remembrances include promised CDs of specific music that never made it to their hands and the jokes he would greet them with before they could ask him when they could expect their CDs, or his love of photography which also sometimes ended without him sending them promised copies of pictures.
Reggie leaves to mourn his passing his children, Togar, Trokon (Hawa), Gardea (Sianeh), Feeta Janjay, and Vaiyon Youjay; his siblings, Martha, Emma, Nathaniel (Shirley), Richard (Christiana), Randolph, Jehu, and Mardea; and a host of relatives, friends and well-wishers.
He was predeceased by his parents, Isaac and Menzohn Caphart; and his siblings, Dekontee Caphart Elliott, George Gbono Caphart, and Jonathan Tetelmah Caphart.
He was a devoted and loving father to his children and a loyal friend to many. He will be sorely missed.
May his soul rest in perfect peace and may light perpetual shine upon him.
A video of his funeral mass is available here through August 28, 2022:
https://boxcast.tv/view/in-loving-memory-of-reginald-gonzaga-vaiyon-caphart-gwjn1aelhg4eylmzkcmm
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About |
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| Name | Reginald Gonzaga Vaiyon Caphart |
| Date of Birth | June 5th, 1957 |
| Date of Death | June 27th, 2022 |
| Home Town | Harbel, Margibi, LR |
| Other City | New York, NY, US |
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Memorial |
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| Funeral Home | Frank R Bell Funeral Home |
| Cemetery | The Evergreens Cemetery |
| Address |
1629 Bushwick Avenue NY 11207 United States |
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Milestones |
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| 1974 - 1976 | Carroll High School, High School Diploma | ||
| 1977 - 1981 | University of Liberia, Bachelor of Science (BSc.) in Civil Engineering | ||
| 1982 - 1984 | Columbia University, Master of Science (MSc.) in Civil Engineering | ||
| 1988 - 2017 | City Planner/Civil Engineer, City of New York | ||
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published a tribute .
This is not goodbye, instead, see you later my dearest brother. You kept your word and was the best brother a sister could have.
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published a tribute .
I am so so sorry none of us could attend the funeral Anastasia. Reggie was one of Dad's students at LU and one of the boys he always spoke so highly of. It was so kind of him and the other former students who attended Dad's funeral 22 years ago. We pray that God will continue to comfort all of your hearts and keep watch over you all. I will be in touch. May he rest in peace.
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published a tribute .
Goodbye my brother. You were a true friend. When my oldest son graduated you drove from New York to play at his party. When my mother in-law passed you came again. We visited with you and had great times, So many memories and I will cherish them. Until we meet again RIP my brother. To the family my condolences. We have lost a special person.
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published a tribute .
My condolences to my cousin Anastasia, the children, and tge rest of the family. We thank for Reggie's life he is in a better place. Aye Grind please tell Bor Nathan hello. May your soul RIP
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My heartfelt condolences to the family. Reggie was my model for excellence and good virtue. I am going to miss him dearly. Rest in peace my fellow Cobra!!!!!
published a comment .
Condolences to the Caphart family. May Hod comfort you in your time of grief!!
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published a tribute .
Life Well Lived.
A life well lived is a precious Gift of hope and strength and grace. From someone who has made our world a brighter, better place.
It's filled with moments sweet and smiles. With friendships formed and good times shared.
Reggie i will never all those parties Grind. You were always there playing music on pro bono basis. Thank you.
You came in my sleep on that faithful morning smiling. Not knowing you were saying farewell.
My brother Grind go and take your rest. Heaven needs another angle.
May your soul RIP.
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published a tribute .
Abracadabra -- I had to look up that song, one of the many Reggie introduced me to, to pinpoint the years we spent seeing each other constantly, as part of Columbia's Liberian community, then later in the Bronx, and even later in Brooklyn. That was in the early '80s. Reggie was synonymous with music, DJing, and parties. Though we didn't see each other for years after that, a surprise birthday message from Reggie to "Uncle Godpa Rocky" would pop up in my answering machine now and then. So many of us have lost a friend who carried good memories with him in his passing. All the best to those loved ones he left behind.
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published a tribute .
I knew Reggie when we were little boy back in the days in Harbe,Firestone,Liberia they were living down camp One.and many times I went around his home his father was a joker person they were always happy at home.his father wanted to know who came to visit Reggie to shared his joke with you too. They were just down to earth family. He will be greatly missed. he was smart at every things he does
My sincere condolences goes to his wife first, his children and his entire family.we will missed his DJ performance whenever during fun times. May,his soul rest in perfect peace until we all meet again
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published a tribute .
My sincere condolences to the Caphart family. May God keep you in His care and strengthen you as you grieve your love one. May his soul rest in perpetual peace.
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published a tribute .
Reggie you were truly goodhearted fun-loving generous person. The talks, the jokes and the parties will be remembered. I remember talking about the extended version of Escapism by Brown and you had it and sent me a copy. Remember the parties in Rego Park when you would put on "Rings" and hand me the mike and say, "E George sing". Rest in Peace my brother take comfort with the lord. Condolences to the family. "Cape Oh Cape"!
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We' love and miss you dearly Reggie. Take your heavenly rest. God knows best. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family!
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Reggie, you were a great inspiration to our children to push for the highest mark as you did. It was always a joy to be around you with that contagious smile but man, when you got mad, it was serious. My heart is broken in that you and your senior Carroll High brother, Edwin Freeman Died the same day around the same time. You both Rest from your labor here on earth and spread some music up there
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published a tribute .
You — Please update your info
My condolence to you a
nd your family during your bereavement. May God strengthen you all during this trouble time.
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published a comment .
Reggie and I were in the 5th. grade class at Harbel Elementary School. May his soul rests in peace.
published a comment .
We' love and miss you dearly Reggie. Take your heavenly rest. God knows best. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family!
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published a tribute .
September 5 1999 he was our DJ he had the floor hit on night long.
RIP our DJand friend
From Mr. & Mrs. Wallace Powell
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On our wedding day September 5, 1999 he had the floor hot all night long.
Good bye Reginald
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published a tribute .
My deepest sympathies and condolences to the family. Rest in peace, my brother.
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published a tribute .
I'm Deeping sad to hear the new of our beloved friend and brother, Reggie. may, his soul rest in perfect peace.
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Our deepest condolences to our sister Anastasia, the children, and the entire family! We pray for God’s healing grace and comfort! Rest well our dear brother! God’s peace!
published a comment .
Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind. (Taylor Swift). D J Reg was a good man. I'll miss his good deeds, his music, and his wonderful friendship. Rest in peace, Bro.
published a comment .
New York can never be the sane without you; your music, the bond you share and the unforgettable treasure of memories with you! Our condolences to your family and may your God comfort them as he welcome you in the house he has prepared for you! Rest in eternity Reggie!✝️✝️❤️
published a comment .
My daughter and family have missed all the good and bad times. It was nice having you as a brother and God father to my daughter Aderemi . May you finally take your rest in Jesus name
Respectfully your
Evangelist Gloria Abasi Williams
And family
published a comment .
Being very helpful to friends in need is one trait that I remember the most about my best friend, Reggie. May God Almighty bless and keep until we meet again.
published a comment .
By and by, when the morning comes, all the saints of God are gathered home, we will tell the story how we've overcome, and we'll understanding it better by & by.
Trials and dark on every hand, and we may not understand, all the ways that God would lead us, to that blessed promise land, but he'll guide us with his eyes, and we'll follow till we die, and we'll understand it better by and by....Farewell Reggie.
published a comment .
Deepest sympathies, Simmons and Feeta on this significant loss..... Although he was ill for a period of time his death is still Surreal..... He was a genuine Friend, Confidante, and Beloved Brother..... We shared a Great Bond that lasted even during his illness..... The world has lost a genuine individual and I can imagine the loss you feel in losing your husband and father.... He's better off now and resting in God's Peace.... Rest well, Dear Friend, until we meet again....
I'll cherish the fond memories of Reggie's genuine Friendship!!
Deepest Sympathies.....
Shalom
published a comment .
My sympathies and condolences to the family. Rest in peace, my brother.
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published a tribute .
My co-worker Jessica and I would like to give our condolences to the Caphart family. We worked with Reggie at the Borough President's Office in Topo. I knew Reggie from when he worked at City Planning. He was a generous, knowledgeable and funny man who was great to work with. May he rest in peace.
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Well, there comes a time when a person must put down this motels and take on immortal. It's Reggie's, my Barbue time. May his soul rest in peace and God sustain the family in these difficult times, Be encouraged. A highly intelligent
man has completed his task and is now gone how. The Matthew Kai family
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published a tribute .
Reggie Caphart was truly an intellectual giant. He made many of us who had the misfortune of competing with him better students and Engineers. I had the privilege of calling him a true friend for more than 40 years. He left us too soon!
Sophia and I extend to Nahdee, Gardea, Richard and the rest of the family our deepest condolences.
William Nyanue
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published a tribute .
Reggie was not only my friend, he was a brother to me and my siblings. We spent most holidays together whether in New York or Maryland. I know that you resting well without pains. To the children and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest In Peace Reggie.
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RIP my friend. I will always remember the time when we took many mathematics, physics and engineering courses at UL and oh boy you did good by kicking everyone’s “ass*s”. Farewell, good friend.
To family: my sincere condolences.
published a comment .
Take your complete Rest Reggie, may your soul Rest in perfect peace. My deepest sympathy to the Family. Pray that you all will take courage in the Lord. He's our comforter. Take courage.
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published a tribute .
I probably interacted with you on three occasions, but u left a profound impact on me. Rest well and may God console your family and give them strength.
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published a tribute .
May you be with God's angels and holy children Reggie. We pray for your family still here on the pilgrimage with the rest of us. RIP
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published a tribute .
On Behalf of the Savice family, we extend our condolences to the Caphart family at their time of bereavement. Reggie was a dear friend to our family. He was more than just a friend, Reggie was apart of the family. We share so many memories from our days in Brooklyn. He will be deeply missed. Rest in Paradise dear friend.
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published a tribute .
The Mulbah family do extend their heartfelt condolences to the Caphart family and may God be your comforter in this trying time of your loss
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published a tribute .
Kerbeh Koiwood and Daniel Orlando Myers extend heart felt condolences to the Caphart family for their loss
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published a tribute .
My sincere condolences to the Caphart family. May God be your strength. I visited you numerous times in the nursing home until the pandemic hit and we were not allowed to visit. I thought about you all the time. I know that you are in a better place where there’s no sickness but peace and rest. May your soul Rest In Peace, in Jesus’ name, amen.
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published a tribute .
On behalf of the Thomas Max Beer Family, I extend my deepest sympathy to Gardea and his entire family for the loss of their beloved Reggie. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
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published a tribute .
My heartfelt condolences to the entire family. May Reggie's soul rest in perfect peace.
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published a tribute .
My condolences to each of you. May God comfort and strengthen each of you during this time of bereavement and in the days, weeks, months and years to come. Take heart.
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published a comment .
We graduated together from
Carroll High School
He was a gentleman and a scholar
Rest in perfect peace Reggie
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published a tribute .
Rest in Peace, fellow Cobra. Your kindness and brilliance will always be remembered.
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Rest In Peace Reggie. Take your rest. In 1991 Reggie DJ our wedding. After that time, we became friends. Our deepest condolences to the family. May God strengthen you all during these difficult times. God bless.
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published a tribute .
My husband (Derek Moore) and I moved to the US in the early 1980s. Reggie was a big brother, a devoted friend and nothing short of family to us. Back in those days he and Monica opened their home to us and it was our weekend hangout spot and we always felt so loved and welcomed there. He was the best man at our wedding. Thank you for everything Reggie. You will forever be in our hearts. Rest in peace my brother
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published a tribute .
Gonzaga Caphart our own DJ. Sleep on, rest in perfect peace. I'm sure heaven could use another DJ so do your thing up there my brother.
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Wow! When I came to the U.S. in '81, my brother, Nimene Kun, would take me to Reggie's apartment in the Bronx to hang out. Reggie was such a fun person to be around. Unfortunately, he passed away the same day his old friend Nimene Kun passed away. God Speed, Reggie.
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Rest in perfect peace Reggie! Remember those Maryland days search a good person.
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Rest In Peace my brother and friend. U know how we roll!! God had other plans!! Take your rest!! I will miss u!! To the family my deepest sympathies!! RIP Reggie!!
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published a tribute .
My heartfelt condolences to you and the rest of the family. May God guide and strengthen you through this difficult time.
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My condolences to Martha, Emma, Nathaniel and the rest of the family. This comes from Mr. & Mrs. Alfred S. Davies, the Harbel Jr. High School friends of old. Reggie, please rest in God's peace.
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Reggie was such a good family friend. We will for ever remember the weekends in NewYork and Maryland. Rest In Peace my brother.
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