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1942
2013
Nelson Joseph Capitano Jr., 71, of Springfield, passed away Thursday, July 25, 2013, at Memorial Medical Center.
Nelson was born April 11, 1942, in Brooklyn, N.Y., and raised in Long Island, N.Y. His parents were the late Nelson and Concetta Benedetto Capitano. He met Malinda Ann Hoecker, an Eastern Airline attendant who was born and raised in Jacksonville, and love of his life, while he was working as a NYC police officer at the World's Fair. They married February 19, 1966, and "Muff" preceded him in death Oct. 8, 2010.
Nelson began his public service career as a policeman in NYC and was in the U.S. Marine Reserve. After moving to Illinois, he was a trooper with the Illinois State Police and served as the ISEARCH officer for missing and exploited children and with the DARE program. Nelson and his wife were Realtors in the Springfield area for many years. After retirement, Mr. Capitano was a communication consultant with several Verizon companies, and led the company in sales. He enjoyed sales, because he got to talk with people. Nelson recently restored his 1969 Camero RS. Fully restored, it received first place at every show it was in!
Nelson will be greatly missed by his children, Nicholas (Melissa) Capitano of Ashburn, Va., and Michael (Lindsey) Capitano, and Kristin Capitano, all of Springfield; grandchildren, Gia and Tessa of Ashburn, Va., and Tony of Springfield; brother-in-law, Bob (Barbara) Hoecker of Danville; several nieces, nephews and many friends.
His family will greet friends from 4-7 p.m. Sunday at Staab Polk Memorial Home, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham. Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday at Staab Polk Memorial Home, Chatham, with Msgr. David Lantz officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery Mausoleum. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 675 Linton Ave, Springfield, Illinois 62703; www.cancer.org. Staab Polk Memorial Home, Chatham, is serving Mr. Capitano's family. For online condolences, please visit www.staabpolk.com.
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Miss you brother
Victor Morris
Friend
July 20, 2019
To the Capitano family, my deepest sympathies. I learned only today of Nelson's death, and am shocked -- saddened -- at this untimely loss. Michael and Kristin, I've met you once or twice in your father's company. When we lunched occasionally, he spoke of you lovingly and proudly. Nick and others, I'm afraid we only met at Mom's visitation.
I served with your father in the ISP, where he struck a proud pose as a Trooper -- our most important rank. His wonderful New York accent was a fun irony when he was in uniform. Later, your father sold me my first-ever cell phone, and many thereafter to my family and me. He was a wonderful salesman -- friendly, fair, and warm. He loved Muff so... Thank you for sharing him with us. I am a better person for having known him.
Carl Weitzel
October 14, 2013
Nelson you were a wonderful friend and devoted ISP Officer. I will never forget your humor and up-beat personality.
I will miss you old friend!
Victor Morris, ISP M/Sgt. Ret.
Victor Morris
August 7, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bob Moses
August 2, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear about Nelson. My family will miss him dearly. For years he has been the only person we see when it comes to our cell phones. My family would go into the store and all want to upgrade (4 of us), and he would say "Hi guys" and have a big smile. He really took his time for all of us. He was one great man. Our prayers are with your family. God Bless.
Jo Ann Peel
July 29, 2013
So sorry to hear of the passing of Nelson. I worked with him at General Communications and he was a joy to be around. He could sell anything.... May you have comfort in the wonderful memories of your family.
Dana Blair
July 29, 2013
To the Capitano Family, So sorry about your loss. Nelson was a good,caring,intelligent,and outgoing man. I work and travel with Nelson while at ISP DARE and it was always a great fantastic day with him around.
It was certainly a blessing having Nelson as a friend.
Fredrick Z.Williams - Bloomington, Il
July 29, 2013
To the Family of Nelson. Sorry to hear of you loss may he rest in peace. I was fortunate to be in Class # 39 with Nelson, we had a lot of great memories
Charles Berkley
July 28, 2013
Nelson was such an amzing person. I used to work with him at General Communications. Always a cheerful man.
May God comfort his family in this time of sorrow.
Sarah Thomas
July 28, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Nelson passing and even more sorry that just returning home, after a trip for my wife and I's anniversary, Sunday evening to find out. Nick you were just a small kid when your Mom and Dad we customers at the old General Communications. Everyone loved your parents, Jonny Cadilac, Bruce, Steve, Bill Wheeler, Kristy, John Ownes, we all had the pleasure of helping them. Years later when I was out of the phone business and a Verizon customer, your Dad was the only one I'd go to and send my son too. He always took great care of me. Such a loss. What a great man. But I'm thinking he's spending eternity with "the love of his life" now, your mother. May God bless you and all of your family through this time. I don't know what else to say other than I'm so sorry to hear he's passed. God bless. Rest In Peace!
Lenny Hamende
July 28, 2013
So sorry for your loss, I send you love and peace.
Brian Bunch
July 28, 2013
Nick, sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. We will keep you all in our prayers.
Brock Butcher and family
July 28, 2013
Knowing Nelson was one of the gifts of my FedEx career. That big grin, his greeting of "what did I get?" EVERY day I walked in at Verizon, his delight when he showed me that gorgeous Camaro - which he let me sit in!!
His often repeated comment of "I've got great kids", his love of Joes Crab Shack.. all memories that flood to mind whenever I drive by the old store or the house.
Kristin - know that I'll never forget 'Daddy Dearest"!!
My thoughts are with you all.
Ilene
Ilene Casebeer
July 28, 2013
Nelson will be missed by many. He was a person that you always looked forward to seeing. Blessings to the Capitano family.
James Mason
July 28, 2013
What a great man and family. I am a better person by knowing the Capitano's. Mom and Dad will truly be missed.
mom and Dad will truly be missed
John Daum
July 27, 2013
Mike, Lindsey, & Tony,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know you guys are in our thoughts and prayers.
~Melissa, Nick, & Nicky McCoy
July 27, 2013
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you all!
Tammy Hackler
July 27, 2013
Nick sorry to hear the news about your dad. Keeping you all in my thoughts.
Brent Uhlig
July 27, 2013
Nelson was my friend we had a lot of laughs over the years. I never saw him without a smile.He will be missed.
Bob Dunbar
July 27, 2013
I worked with Nelson for several years, he was a credit to the ISP and a fine man. We will never know how many local officers he helped while in the DARE program, or how many children he touched as a result. He will be missed
Terry James
July 27, 2013
My heart goes out to the family. So sad to learn of your loss. Please accept my deepest and most sincere sympathy. Nelson was a great person. I was a long time customer of his, through the local cell company. Always enjoyed visiting with him and getting updates on that awesome Camaro! Springfield has experienced a great loss. Nelson will truly be missed!
Tom Klein
July 27, 2013
Nick,
Blessed are they who mourn for they will be comforted.
Ron Rector
July 27, 2013
To the Capitano family, So sorry to hear about Nelson. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was always a thoughtful and caring person with a smile on his face. He will be missed.
Martha Fry, Etna Green, Indiana
July 27, 2013
Nelson, my friend, what to say, what to say. You always had that beautiful smile on your face, and a story to tell.You sold us our home 35 years ago and we are still in it. Then along came our business - Interstate Security and although we no longer have it - it is still around and going strong, You and Larry started the business from nothing and Muff and I was to pick up the rest. Now you and Muff can have a good time selling God's land. I will always remember the beautiful picture of Lindsey , hanging in the living room. Rest in peace my friend, rest in peace. Give Muff a hug ,,,,,XX
RREst in bee ,m
July 27, 2013
Nick, Melissa and girls, my heart aches for you all! We are so terribly sorry for your loss. You and your families will be in our thoughts and prayers! Much love!
Lesley Crittenden
July 26, 2013
Nick and family, I'm very sorry to hear that Nelson is no longer with us. I have really great memories of him from when we were kids...he truly was a one-of-a-kind, larger than life type of guy, and I know he'll be missed by many people.
Mike McCue
July 26, 2013
My prayers to Nick, Melissa and the girls, Mike and Kristen, Nelson was always kind hearted and will be missed greatly.
Doug Miller
July 26, 2013
The prayers of my family are with you all during this incredibly trying time. Nelson was a great man and he will be dearly missed.
Jason Woody
July 26, 2013
Nick, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I believe he was a wonderful and loving man. My thoughts are with you and your family. Take care with hugs to you all.
Pam Gamlin
July 26, 2013
I know that no words can help ease the pain and loss that you are feeling right now Nick. You are in our every prayer and thought. Sending my love and condolences.
Michael ForUs
July 26, 2013
Although I did not know you personally, I can only assume you were a wonderful man because it takes a good man to raise a good man. Nick is a wonderful person and a loving father and husband. He must have had a great role model.
Gina O'Neill
July 26, 2013
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