Donald “Cap” Capitani, 77, of Peru passed away at 7:25 PM Friday at Illinois Valley Community Hospital surrounded by his family.
A memorial mass will be held at 10 AM Saturday at St. Valentines Church in Peru with Rev. William Gardner officiating. Military rites will be conducted outside the church following the mass. Interment will be in Oakwood Memorial Park Mausoleum in Ottawa. There will be no visitation. The Hurst Funeral Home, LaSalle is in charge of the arrangements.
Donald was born on November 27, 1936 in Ottawa to Daniel & Helen (Mucci) Capitani. He married the former Carol A. Brady on January 17, 1959 in St. Joseph’s Church in LaSalle. She survives.
Donald is also survived by a son, Dino Capitani of Hinsdale, IL ; 2 grandchildren: Anthony and Dena Capitani and a sister, Elaine (James) Swaback of Ottawa.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents and a son David Capitani.
Donald graduated from Marquette High School in Ottawa in 1954. He then served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict having served 3 years and 2 of those were overseas.
Donald retired from Libby-Owens-Ford in Otttawa.
Donald was a member of the American Legion and he founded the Support Group for Parkinson’s at St. Margaret’s Hospital in 1995. Donald did not let anything slow him down and was inspirational to many people. Donald enjoyed antiquing, fishing, hunting and his grandchildren. Donald was a 20 year survivor of Parkinsons Disease and a 12 year survivor of Cancer.
Cap is laid to rest in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Sanctuary of the Four Seasons.