John J. Capelli, 87
WEST STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — John J. Capelli, 87, of Pomeroy Street and of West Palm Beach, Fla., died Wednesday, April 15, 2009, peacefully at the home of his daughter, Anne Marie Capelli, in West Palm Beach.
Born West Stockbridge on April 23, 1921, son of Stefano and Alice Salvi Capelli, he graduated from the former Williams High School in Stockbridge in 1939.
An Army veteran of World War II, he served with the 308th Engineer Battalion, spending 29 months between 1942 and 1945 in England, France, Holland, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg.
Mr. Capelli was a rural mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 20 years and was selfâ€'employed as a residential contractor for more than 50 years.
He enjoyed hunting, bowling, and golfing and was a member of the Greenock Country Club in Lee. He also belonged to the American Legion Post 254 and the Knights of Columbus.
Besides his daughter, he leaves his wife, the former Natalie T. Gennari, whom he married on Feb. 23, 1946, in West Stockbridge; three sons, John Capelli Jr. and his wife, Jan, of Alameda, Calif., David Capelli and his wife, Heidi, of Arlington, Va., and Brian Capelli and his wife, Chanda, of San Francisco; another daughter, Alice Keegan and her husband, John, of Pittsfield, and six grandchildren, Matthew, Elise, John Peter, Palma, Caelan and Talia.
He was predeceased by four sisters, Josephine Masiero, Alice Salvi, Rita Rosso and Mary Troy, and a brother, Pasquale Capelli.
FUNERAL NOTICE — Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday morning, April 21, 2009, at 10 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in West Stockbridge by the Rev. Christopher J. Waitekus, pastor. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery in West Stockbridge.
There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Patrick's Church through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Remembrances, memories and reflections may be sent to the family through www.finnertyandstevens.com.