JOHN GINO CAPPOZZO

John Gino Cappozzo passed away February 4, 2011 at the age of 91. Gino is survived by his wife of 53 years, Emily Zyluk Cappozzo, and their two children, Deborah C. Ryan and her husband, Gavin, and two sons, Connor and Brandon Ryan, and Craig C. Cappozzo and his wife, Celia, and their four children, Samantha Schwartz, and Oleg, Maksim and Nostya Cappozzo; and by his beloved brother Jack Cappozzo and his wife, Delores. He was also survived by his cherished life long friends John Sola and John Dalsanto. Gino was born November 21, 1919 in Chicago to immigrants, Giacomo and Rosina Cappozzo from Calvene, Italy. He was raised in the North Pullman Neighborhood of Chicago, IL. Gino had three younger siblings, Alfonsa, Norma and Jack, who were his life long companions. He graduated from Fenger High School in 1937. In 1943, Gino was drafted into the Army Air Corp where he served as a Navigator in a B-29 Bomber known as "Sentimental Journey". He flew 13 missions over Japan, returning as a First Lieutenant. He dreamed of becoming an architect. After WWII, Gino worked and studied to become an architect, attending the University of Notre Dame for a short time on the GI Bill. Gino worked for Johnson & Johnson Architects and Engineers and won awards for many of his designs. He was an admirer of Frank Lloyd Wright. Gino was an extraordinary ballroom dancer and maintained a full dance card until 1955 when he met Emily Zyluk, a ticket agent for the Illinois Central Railroad. They were married in 1957 and went to Cuba for their honeymoon. They had two children, Debbie and Craig, who they loved and adored. Gino was a loving and caring father, who always encouraged his children to be successful, to work hard and "play it safe". He was extremely proud of his kids and would gush incessantly over their accomplishments. An avid Republican, Gino never tired of writing letters to Democratic Congressmen. In 2007, Gino and Emily moved to Dallas where Gino enjoyed attending band concerts and Grandparent's Day at Greenhill School. Watching his grandson, Connor, attend the University of Notre Dame gave him great pleasure. He had a special bond with his grandson, Brandon, with whom he watched "Band of Brothers" and "The Pacific" and to whom he told stories about The War. He lovingly cared for Emily (who suffers from Alzheimer's disease) until his last days. We will never forget Gino's youthful spirit, sense of humor and mischievous grin. He is a part of us forever. A long and good life, indeed. Visitation will be held at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home in Dallas, TX on Saturday February 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. The Memorial Service will be held Sunday, February 13, from 12 to 1 p.m. with the burial immediately following at the same location. Memorials may be made in his name to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601-7633.