Dorothy "Dot" Capella

Dorothy (Dot) Capella, age 83, of Painesville, Ohio passed away on Saturday, June 30th, 2018 at the Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio.  Dot was born on November 23, 1934 in Cleveland, Ohio to Paul and Talitha (Kenat) Arndt.  She was enrolled in the Major Work Gifted Education Program in the Cleveland Schools and graduated from Collinwood High School in 1953 where she was a majorette.  During high school, she also performed in shows and competitions as a talented roller skater.  She attended Northwestern University where she earned a Bachelor of Education in music as a piano major. 

Dot married Robert Capella on August 6th, 1955, and was a private piano teacher and accompanist for over forty years.  She taught numerous students, some of whom became professional musicians. She was also involved in the Painesville Women’s Chorus, Lakeland Civic Chorus, bowling leagues, knitting club, bridge club, and St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church. 

Dot enjoyed spending time with her 3 children and 8 grandchildren, teaching them piano, preparing delicious meals, and making holidays fun, especially with her famous cookies.  Dot’s thirst for knowledge never ceased, and she had a special place in her heart and home for needy dogs and cats. 

Dot was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Capella, parents Paul and Talitha (Kenat) Arndt, and brother Paul (Mick) Arndt, Jr.  She is survived by son Bob Capella of Painesville; daughters Jean (Roy) St. John of Dublin, OH and Julie (Clayton) Gerbitz of Maumee, OH; grandchildren Brian Capella, Ben Capella, Eric St. John (fiancee Jacky Werman), Noelle St. John (fiance Chad Barson), Julia St. John, Ryan Gerbitz, Alex Gerbitz, and Lauren Gerbitz; and dear friend Allison Capella of Painesville.

Family and friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, July 6th at Spear-Mulqueeny Funeral Home, 667 Mentor Ave., Painesville, OH.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 7 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Mentor, OH, 44060.  Interment will follow at All Souls Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dot’s memory to St. Gabriel’s Music Ministry at St. Gabriel Catholic Church.  

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