Robert Capella

Robert Capella, age 85, of Painesville, Ohio passed away on Friday, July 21st, 2017 at the Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio.  Robert was born on August 16, 1931 in Cleveland, Ohio to John and Clara (Palermo) Capella. He graduated from Collinwood High School in Cleveland in 1949, and attended The Ohio State University where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education.  At OSU, Robert was involved in Band, Band Club, Block “O”, Music Educators National Conference, Jazz Forum, Phi Mu Alpha, ROTC, Symphonic Band, and the University Symphony. He played trumpet in the OSU Marching Band, and continued to march with the OSU Alumni Band on numerous occasions.

Robert served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force from 1954-1956. He was the Band Director at Riverside High School in Painesville Township for 28 years, from 1957-1985, where he led the Marching Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band, Pit Band, and many solos and ensembles at performances and competitions locally, at other US cities, and in Canada. Upon retiring, he worked for Century Resources, a fundraising company. Robert then started his own framing business called Old Hang Ups where he especially enjoyed framing the beautiful covers of old sheet music.

Robert played trumpet professionally with many bands, from big bands to small groups, and always enjoyed his gigs. He also enjoyed composing and arranging musical works for all instruments and ensemble sizes. He taught private lessons to many students (including his children and grandchildren) and published humorous music articles in various magazines. He was also a talented artist. Robert was often called upon to be the emcee at various events because of his great sense of humor. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, entertaining them with his silly antics and jokes. Robert’s greatest joy was making people laugh.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, John and Clara (Palermo) Capella, and his brother Donald Capella. He is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Dorothy Lee (Arndt) Capella; 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, Noelle St. John, Julia St. John, Ryan Gerbitz, Alex Gerbitz, and Lauren Gerbitz; brother John Capella of Noblesville, IN; and dear friend Allison Capella of Painesville.

Family and friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, July 30th at Spear-Mulqueeny Funeral Home, 667 Mentor Ave., Painesville, OH. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM. on Monday, July 31st at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Mentor, OH. Interment will follow at All Souls Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 74924, Cleveland, OH 44194-1007 or online at alz.org; or to the Riverside Band Boosters, 585 Riverside Dr., Painesville, OH 44077.

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