John F Capitani
08/3/1947 - 08/11/2018
John Fredrick Capitani Sunol. Ca./ Geyserville Ca. On August 11th, the Capitani family lost our patriarch, our hero, our heart and soul, our son, our brother, our father and our uncle, friend to all, our comedian and our consiglieri. John Fredrick Capitani was born Aug 3, 1947 to Blasco and Peggy Capitani of San Leandro, CA. John was raised in the East Bay Area with his two younger brothers and tight knit family, where he attended Irvington High School in Fremont. John was a life-long Bay Area Sports fan and always cherished attending games growing up with his Uncle Jim and later in life with his brothers and children. In 1968, John was drafted and served a full tour of duty as a Sergeant in the First Air Cavalry (the 1st of the 5th, Charlie Company) in the Vietnam War. After receiving a Bronze Star for valor in combat and two Purple Hearts for wounds in combat, John came home with an honorable discharge. Upon his return, he married his high school sweet heart, Mary Kathleen Connors in April of ‘69. John and Kathy shared 41 amazing years of marriage and built a one of a kind family; they were truly one another’s best friends. John prided himself on being the best family man and sincerely loved and excelled at being an amazing Father.
In 1975 John completed his BS in Criminal Justice from San Jose State University. John and Kathy started their family, raising their 3 children in Sunol, CA. Professionally, John spent the majority of his career in the food industry, working for Stella D’Oro, Orowheat, S&W Foods, and Safeway. In 2000 John started a new venture as a business owner, purchasing an Ace Hardware in Danville, CA. He was active in his community as a Union Organizer, a leading partner in the Pleasanton Ridge Referendum, an FHS Athletic Board Member, and a CCD teacher with St Augustine’s Catholic Church of Pleasanton. John received the “Lifetime Falcon” award for his service to the Foothill High School athletic boosters. He was granted a lifetime pass to all EBAL sporting events.
After the passing of John’s wife, Kathy in 2010, John retired and relocated to Geyserville. John was thankful to have been so warmly welcomed to the community here that he respected and considered like family. He met his second love, Lynn Davis of Windsor and started many new adventures with her by his side. He joined the Oddfellows, Genco, Sonoma Co Slowfoods and many other community organizations. He loved making wine, olive oil and breaking bread with friends and family.
John’s passion was above all, the people in his life. John was always the life of the party - quick witted, handsome, and funny as hell. John never knew a stranger and could always fill the room with laughter. Every get together was a celebration and he loved to host. He was one of the most thoughtful, humble, and generous people. He always carried himself with class and integrity. His death is life altering to those who knew him as he always brought everyone together and made everyone feel special, valued, and part of something bigger. His best days were enjoyed on the porch with his Mom. In hardships and in victories, John always remained grateful and gracious. In his famous dinner-time proclamation, “who has it better than us?”.
John is predeceased by his Father, Blasco Capitani, his wife, Kathy Capitani, and brother Jim Capitani. John is survived by his mother, Peggy Capitani of Fremont, Uncle and Aunt, Jim and Vonny Cox, Brother, Larry Capitani of Fremont, Daughter Christine Capitani-Schreiber and husband Mark, of Diablo, his son, Thomas Capitani and wife Chelsea of Livermore, daughter, Elizabeth Capitani of Alameda, and his grandchildren - Charlie Buckley , Maggie Buckley, Katherine Buckley, Henry Buckley, RJ Schreiber & Duke Schreiber of Diablo.
Memorial Services to be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Mission (St. Peter) - Asti, Saturday, August 18, 2018. Service to commence at 12:30pm. Celebration of life to follow in Geyserville, CA. In lieu of flowers and cards, please make donations to the Geyserville Unified School District in John’s name.
A special thank you to Dr Charles Binkley (UCSF/Kaiser), Dr Nicolaj Andersen, Dr Lee, Dr Jay, Nurse Judy Wooton, and Kaiser Santa Rosa Oncology.