Victor E. Caputo III  (March 22, 1977 - December 15, 2025)

The heart is seen as a universal symbol of love, life, devotion, resiliency, and courage. It is no wonder that Victor, since birth, has been known to have a heart like no other. Victor was a dedicated husband, father, son, brother, friend, and mentor—so much so that he left an imprint on each of the hearts he touched, calling all who knew him to be the things we loved most about him.

Victor grew up as the youngest of four children, and the only boy, which meant he learned early how to hold his own while being endlessly loved. He deeply admired his father and looked to him not only as a dad, but as a confidant and best friend, a bond that shaped the man Victor would become. From his mother, Victor inherited his generosity, warmth, and sense of humor, the ability to make people feel cared for and laugh all at once. He was also deeply proud of his Italian heritage, embracing tradition and larger-than-life love that shaped his family and the way he showed up for others. He carried those lessons of loyalty, work ethic, heart, humor, and heritage with him throughout his life.

Victor graduated from Nazareth Academy High School and, as the family joke goes, completed a very thorough tour of area universities before proudly graduating from Benedictine University. His journey may have taken a few scenic routes, but Victor always knew where he was headed, and he made the most of every stop along the way.

While working in DeKalb, Victor met the love of his life, Teri, and from that moment on, the rest truly was history. They were married on January 18, 2003, beginning a partnership built on love, laughter, and shared dreams. As those dreams grew, so did their family with the arrival of Sam and Bella on February 22, 2006, the part of his story Victor cherished most.

The time between the dates was far too short, but the impact of that dash was immense. Whenever asked what or how Victor was doing, without missing a beat he'd say, "Living the dream," and he was. Victor was a successful business owner for over 20 years because he was a devoted family man who served selflessly. He proudly drove his "green booger" truck with no radio, knowing that his family had what they wanted and needed. He built Home Zone Realty from the ground up and, in true dreamer fashion, expanded his business from Illinois to include Minnesota, Georgia, Texas, and Florida. Victor also built A-Team Junk Removal and was most proud of running that business side-by-side with Sam.

Above all else, Victor was most proud of his family. His children, Sam and Bella, were his absolute pride and joy. His dedication to building his own businesses was rooted in his love for his family and his desire to have a life that allowed him not only to be a provider, but to be present in the memories and moments. Victor was "living the dream" as he volunteered to coach, cheered from the front row for big milestones, vacationed in Florida, and never turned down an opportunity to enjoy the small moments, even if it was a trip to Menards, hanging with his dogs, or a late-night drive-thru run with Bella.

He was generous. He was funny. He was gentle. He was ambitious. He was determined. Victor was "The King." He was "the mayor." He was "Uncle Tootie." He was "The Godfather." He was "Dad." He was "Bro."

Victor taught us that success isn't measured by titles or timelines, but by showing up, loving big, working hard, and finding joy in the everyday moments. His legacy lives on in the businesses he built, the family he adored, the friendships he nurtured, and the countless lives made better for having known him.

So when we think of Victor now, we'll hear his voice ask "Did you miss me?", see his smile, and know, without a doubt, that he's still "living the dream," just watching over us with that one-of-a-kind heart.

Victor was welcomed into heaven by his Papa Caputo (Victor), GG (Lydia Johnson), his sister-in-law, Kristen Minnihan, and his dogs Miley and Teddy.

He will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife, Teri; his children, Sam and Bella; his parents, Victor and Sharon; his siblings, Stacey Trytek (Ken), Sandi Caputo-Kunz (Troy), Sherry Caputo; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Cindy and Neil Minnihan; brother-in-law, Adam Leffelman; sisters-in-law, Carly Gates (Tim Gates) and Erin Minnihan; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss him deeply and carry his memory forward.

A memorial visitation to celebrate Victor's life will be held on January 3, 2026 from 4-8pm at Butala Funeral Home, Sycamore, IL 60178.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up for the family and cards can be delivered in care of Butala Funeral Home.

To sign the online guest book or write a special memory- go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com