An inside look at “Cappy Da Clown”

Thirty years ago, he was introduced to clowning, and it changed his life forever.

Dennis DeMartino, also known as “Cappy Da Clown,” is a court clerk, who “cannot wait for his day job to be over,” so that he can run off to change into his costume and start putting a smile on people’s faces. “I am a clown who works for the government,” he said.

He is counting down the days until he is finally retired from his day job, so that he can dedicate his full-time attention to entertainment –“540 days left,” DeMartino specified.

“Cappy Da Clown,” is a silly seasick sailor, and DeMartino’s primary character. He is a member of Clowns of America and belongs to the Clown Association, and New York Clown Alley. He’s been seen in the St. Patrick’s parade, the Norwegian parade, as well as the Fifth Avenue Festival, and has worked for Victorian Garden, Luna Park and Magic at Coney.

“I love using my talents to make people happy,” DeMartino said.

Cappy will be performing at Summer Stroll on Third Avenue in Bay Ridge, on Friday, July 27, and Friday, August 17. The event – being held for the first time on four Friday evenings this summer – creates a pedestrian plaza along the thoroughfare between 82^nd and 89^th Streets where local businesses and arts organizations will get to show their stuff.

Throughout the years, DeMartino has come up with six to seven characters, including Louis Lose’r, Billy Boardwalk Barker and Muggsy as he continues to develop his repertoire.

He admits that he gets his inspiration from watching old movies, and borrows face expressions and certain features from Bob Nelson, the comedian, and other celebrities. He was appointed special advisor to King Henry’s royal navy- a show that used to be on cable television that won a National Video Award.

DeMartino does parties, charitable work such as raising money for the Haiti relief, Toys for Tots and SmileTrain, an organization with the mission of providing free corrective surgery for kids who suffer from cleft lip and cleft palate.

He’s lived in Bay Ridge for the past 20 years and enjoys how he can “make a good side income doing what [he loves].”

“People talk about an economic crisis, but I’ve got some of the best years in my life,” DeMartino remarked.