Milton Kapa

Mr. Milton Kapa, age 82, passed away surrounded by his loving family, Friday, October 10, 2025.

Mr. Kapa was born March 9, 1943, in Braddock, Pennsylvania, son of the late Stanley Kapa and Adella Kuscaj Kapa.

As a young man, Mr. Kapa was drafted into the United States Army. Following his military service, he attended Auburn University, where he met the love of his life, Mrs. Judith “Judy” Dykes Kapa. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in love and shared values.

After moving from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the Kapa family settled in Cedartown, Georgia, where Mr. Kapa became a devoted parishioner at St. Bernadette Catholic Church—a community that remained deeply important to him throughout his life. Among his proudest accomplishments was being a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Council 16534.

When Mr. Kapa made Cedartown his home, he dedicated himself to being a valued member of the community. He enjoyed a long and respected career as a safety manager at GEO Specialty Chemicals, where he worked for 38 years before retiring in 2016. His commitment to public service extended beyond his career; he also served Polk County as a member of the Board of Elections and the Board of Equalization.

Beyond his professional life, Mr. Kapa found joy in cooking, gardening, and traveling—especially when it meant visiting family or trying his luck at a casino. He also enjoyed working in his yard and working on cars. But above all, his greatest joy was his family. He took immense pride in being a father, and in his later years, nothing brought him more happiness than sharing stories about his grandchildren with anyone who would listen. His enduring love for his wife Judy and his steadfast example as a father will remain a cherished legacy for his family for generations to come.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Kapa is preceded in death by his sister, Annette Fagan, and brothers, John Kapa, and Joey Kappa.

Mr. Kapa is survived by his children: Milton “Mitch” Kapa, Jr., Laura Gottschalk and her husband, Ken, Leah Lynn Kapa, and Daniel Sullivan; grandchildren: Owen Kapa, Dean Gottschalk, Somalin Gottschalk, Beckett Sullivan, and Marlowe Sullivan; brother, “Sonny” Stanley Kapa; sisters-in-law, Carol Kapa, and Mary Ann Kapa; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Funeral Mass to celebrate his life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Kapa’s honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital via the following link: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now or by mail at: ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

The Smith & Miller Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Milton Kapa.