Eugene Joseph Kapusta aka "Gene Kapp"

Eugene Joseph Kapusta aka Gene Kapp, of Virginia Beach, passed away August 16, 2023, after experiencing complications from pancreatic surgery.

Born September 28, 1955, to Joseph and Bridget Kapusta, Gene lived his young life in Coraopolis, PA and was the oldest of four children - George (Patti), Bridget (Dan) and Steve. His early upbringing in the Pittsburgh area fostered a lifelong love of the local professional sports teams, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Penguins. Gene had a strong work ethic and he learned early in life about the value of hard work. He was a paper boy, cut neighbor’s lawns and worked at his best friend’s (John Volante) family produce business.

After graduating from the University of West Virginia with a degree in Journalism, Gene started his career as a broadcast journalist at WSLS TV in Roanoke, VA as a reporter and anchor. At the time, Gene’s News Director said he needed to shorten his name from Kapusta, so Gene picked the name “Kapp” – his father’s nickname in the army.

In 1983, Gene accepted a position at WTKR-TV 3 in Norfolk. He started first as a reporter and immediately impressed his News Director and his colleagues as a talented broadcast journalist. It wasn’t long before Gene was promoted and became the news anchor of the 11:00 pm show.

Gene had a solid reputation among his colleagues and competitors as a no-nonsense, fair reporter – one who could cover nearly any issue or situation in a clear, concise, accurate manner. Gene was an excellent writer and a confident communicator. He had the innate ability to observe and describe the news of the day in a most compelling, creative way.

After leaving the broadcast news business, Gene entered the public and media relations field where he again demonstrated his enormous talents and skill. Gene served as a senior level strategist and as a Vice President for non-profit organizations and charitable groups. He formulated, managed, and implemented numerous high-profile media and public relation campaigns. His work took him to more than 20 countries around the world.

In 1998, Gene formed Kapp Communications, a respected public/media relations consulting firm that allowed him to extend his work in the non-profit, charity and for-profit sectors. All of Gene’s clients appreciated his knowledge and wise counsel.

After retiring in 2021, Gene enjoyed many of his favorite pass times – playing golf, target shooting, spending time with friends and family, and driving his red golf cart around Chic’s Beach.

Gene was an active, vibrant member of his community and was well known and liked throughout Hampton Roads. He is remembered for his kind, engaging personality, his exceptional personal integrity, and how he treated everyone he met with respect and value.

Gene is survived by his wife of 32 years, Carolyn, his siblings and many nieces and nephews (Mathew, Katie, Michael, Abby, Max, and Debbie).

Gene’s Celebration of Life will be held at Delta Hotels by Marriott, 2800 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 on Saturday, September 30th at 11:30 am with a reception following the celebration from 12:30-2:30 pm. Family and friends are invited to come and share their fond memories and stories. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org).

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