Louis J. Capurro Jr.

Louis J. Capurro, Jr.

Louis J. Capurro, Jr. 92, the grandson of Italian immigrants Pasquale Capurro and Luigia Battaglia Capurro; Pietro Bartolino and Teresa Procarione Bartolino, died Saturday evening peacefully at the home ranch where he had lived all of his life. He was born June 27, 1918 to Louis J. Capurro, Sr. and Isabella Bartolino Capurro.

He attended the original Huffaker Elementary School, many days, riding his horse; attended B.D. Billinghurst from 1929-1932; Reno High School from 1932-1935 and received his BA in business from the University of Nevada in 1939, the year he started his first insurance business.

In 1940, he married Genevieve Dondero. They enjoyed 55 years together until her death in 1995.

Louis was very active in the business community and held various public service assignments throughout his life. He was elected President of the 20-30 Club in 1942; he served a decade in the Assembly of the Nevada State Legislature, first elected in 1943 when he was 25 years old and sent back by the voters for four additional sessions; (later, his son Randy, also served in the lower house). In 1949, county board of adjustments were created by the state lawmakers as non-salaried volunteer positions. In July 1949, Louis became a charter member of the Washoe County Board of Adjustment, appointed by the Washoe County Commission. He was chairman of this board several times, once for a 10-year period. He served a numbing 37 years, retiring from that position in 1986 after attending approximately 500 monthly meetings and special sessions. He always knew what was happening in the Reno-Sparks area.

Also an avid hunter, Louis was a Triple Champion in various shooting competitions in 1949, including the Nevada State Championship; the Reno Great Pacific Open 410 ga. Class C and the All Bore 5 Man Team Class B. His very active membership in the Honey Lake Ranch gave him many years of great duck, goose and pheasant hunting.

From 1949-1964 his insurance company became the Capurro-McKenna Ins. Co. and from 1964-1986, with his son Randy and Richard Voss, it was known as Capurro-Voss Ins. Co. Then, in 1986, the business was sold to and he continued to work for Fred S. James (Sedgewick James) Ins. Co.

He was associated with the Nevada Star Grange Organization in earlier years. He was a member of the Prospector's Club in Reno and enjoyed many pleasant occasions there. His association with the beloved ROMEO'S (Retired Old Men Eating Out) since 1984, was the highlight of his week, sharing the kind of perspective that shows the value of enduring friendship. No group of men could ever show more humor, stories, frank observations of life and genuine love for each other.

Louis' vision was made real in 1964-1965 with the organizing and opening of Pioneer Citizen's Bank of Nevada. He and four other descendants of pioneer Nevada families; Paul Laiolo, Royal Stewart, Harold Cafferata and Ben Caramella were at the helm. Louis served as the 1st Chairman of the Board. In 1999, Pioneer Citizens Bank was sold to Zions Bank and is locally known as Nevada State Bank of Nevada.

Louis was also very active in the Reno BPOE. He served as the Exalted Ruler in 1965-1966. In 1967, he was the District Deputy Exalted Ruler for the Northern Nevada District of BPOE. In 1977-1978 he was elected the Nevada State Elks Association's President. In 1984-1985, he was the Grand Lodge Committee Designate. He also held the title of Past Grand Loyal Knight.

In 1998 he received the Distinguished Nevadan Degree from the University of Nevada.

Through all of this, Louis never lost site of his family. All of us knew we were the most important part of his life and he was sought after for his knowledge, wisdom and love by each of us, including his loving companion, Florence Rose.

Preceding Louis in death besides his wife, Genevieve, were grandchild, Lorin Louis Capurro and great grandchild Lisa Jean Capurro. Surviving are his three children: Allen Capurro (Carol), Randall Capurro (Annette) and Corinne Capurro Guio (Bill). Eight Grandchildren: Steven Allen Capurro; Clinton Dale Capurro (Michelle); Suzanne Marie Capurro Murphy (Brian); Gina Louise Capurro Gardner (Ken); Anthony Randall Capurro (Julie); Christopher Capurro (Chrissy); Heather Lynn Guio Parks (Steve) and Thomas Victor Guio. Thirteen great grandchildren including: Renee, Ashley, Kylee, Conner, Electra and Angele Capurro; Morgan, Madison and Chandler Murphy; Lucas, Addison and Mallory Gardner and Mia Parks.

Viewing hours are scheduled Thursday, Feb. 3rd from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Walton Funeral Home, 875 W. 2nd St., followed by 7:00 pm Rosary. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, Feb. 4th at St. Theresa's Little Flower Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at Mt. View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Louie's memory to the University of Nevada Reno Foundation/Capurro Family Endowment, sent to University of Nevada, Reno Foundation, Mail Stop 0162, Reno, NV 89557.