JOHN CAPELL

John Gerard Capell passed away peacefully on 23 February 2024 in Vina del Mar, Chile. He was born in Stockton, California, in 1953, and grew up in Lodi where he graduated from Lodi High School in 1972. Gerard received his Bachelor of Architecture from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, in 1981. He worked for a variety of architectural firms and opened his own firm, Capell Design Associates, in 1992. He specialized in writing architectural specifications for firms across the country, and was known as the go-to person for best practices in the industry, or what were the best products to serve a particular need. He especially enjoyed working with young architects and helping them appreciate the importance of a good “spec.”

From an early age, he was interested in giving back to the community, becoming an Eagle Scout. In later years, his volunteerism was dedicated to serving his profession through the Construction Specification Institute. In 2011, the Institute named him a Fellow, recognizing various leadership roles including President of the Milwaukee Chapter, CFO of the Milwaukee Chapter Education Trust, and on the Institute Board.

Gerard inherited wanderlust from his parents, John Capell and Ynez Jackson Capell Lawson. He spent two-and-a-half years studying and working in Florence, Italy. During that time, he met his future wife, Julie Whelan. The two married in 1990 and lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin until 2017. They honeymooned in Canada and traveled frequently all over the world, including Europe and Central and South America. In 2017, Gerard and Julie moved to Vina del Mar, Chile. Their last trip was to Rio de Janeiro in December 2023.

Gerard loved to talk politics and current events with his large circle of friends. His Chile friends will miss his unique mixture of Spanish and Italian, along with his ability to make an exceptional pisco sour. Stateside, his friends will recall his joy at completing a good round of golf or a perfect run down a ski hill.

Gerard is survived by his wife, Julie, his sister, Claire Capell Kennedy of Lodi, California, nephew Jordan (Cori) Kennedy and grand-niece (Lucy) and grand-nephews (Michael and Cade).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Scholarship Fund of the Milwaukee Chapter of Construction Specifications Institute. www.csimketrust.org

Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/ guestbook.