George Capalbo Obituary

George J. Capalbo, 86

Worcester - George J. Capalbo., a pioneer in radio broadcasting and a lifelong resident of Worcester, passed away Friday, November 8th at The Ichabod Washburn House hospice, with family by his side. He was 86.

Mr. Capalbo was the son of the late Rose (Ritacco) and Nicola Capalbo of Worcester and was one of the nation's most respected broadcast engineering executives. Mr. Capalbo was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during WWII as a radio telegraph operator.

He had a major influence on Boston radio broadcasting in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980's. George built FM Radio station WAAF in Worcester in 1961, and was Chief Engineer for WRKO in Boston at the time of its launch as a Top 40 station as the 'Big 68' in 1967. He is credited by then GM Mel Phillips with putting together a state-of-the-art broadcast facility for television and radio "from scratch" at 7 Bulfinch Place in Boston, and with developing WRKO's radio automation system.

In 1973, Mr. Capalbo was promoted from Chief Engineer of the Boston Radio stations to Vice President Engineering for the RKO Radio Division nationwide; supervising seven AM stations and seven FM stations in major markets including New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles, and later built the RKO Satellite Network, the first radio satellite delivery network.

It is relatively unknown that throughout his career behind the scenes he mentored many young broadcasters, giving them advice and opportunities, leaving his industry in a better place.

Mr. Capalbo is survived by his wife of 55 years Genevieve J (Siminski), son George N, grandson George L, and Sister Vera, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sister Vita, and Brothers Angelo, Charles, Domenic and Leo.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Tuesday, November 12th from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Worcester. His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday November 13th in the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery.

www.mercadantefuneral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Nov. 9 to Nov. 11, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for George Capalbo

11 Entries

Leonie Howard

December 28, 2013

I know only that the late Mr. Capalbo was widely admired and that his widow is a lady of great class who has been a true friend to my mother in law, Shirley. All sympathies to those who knew and loved Mr. Capalbo.

John Lyons

November 15, 2013

Geoge was a big influence in my broadcasting career wwhich is now in its 48th year. He moved me from the shop to management over 35 years ago. One of the nicest people eto work with and for! I will miss him very much.

paul power

November 13, 2013

I worked with George very closely during my tenure at WRKO AM/FM-WROR as Production & Music Director (as well as Assistant and briefly Program Director) 1967-1972. George was a good and low keyed man and part of my job(s) (wearing so many hats) was working in production with the technicians on many station projects, including doing the jock work in the spare studio breaking in many new techs. I knew he came from Worcester but didn't know of his contributions at WAAB/WAAF, stations I previously passed thru during my long radio tenure. Also, nice to see the above comments from other RKO friends from the past Bob Cohen, Jimmy Robinson and Gordy Brown who I just spoke to earlier today. R.I.P., George! Paul Power

Sheldon Swartz

November 12, 2013

When I was 18, I was chatting n the phone with him and had no idea he was such a great in Radio. He was so down-to-earth and gladly answered my questions.

Susan Aucock

November 11, 2013

My deepest sympathy on the loss of your father, George.

Robert Cohen

November 11, 2013

It was not only a pleasure, but a great career experience, for me to have worked with George at WRKO. An encyclopedic knowledge of broadcasting, yet at the same time friendly and down-to-earth. George never lectured you, but you learned just from listening to him. He was not one of my bosses because I worked in the news room, but he trusted me enough to be the training guy for his new technicians. He would say, "you have the patience and you don't throw temper tantrums when things go wrong, so I'd really like to have you be the one to train the new guys on how to engineer a newscast" which were quite complicated at the time. Before WRKO I worked part time at the WAAB Worcester transmitter facility which George had built..for that time state-of-the-art. There should be more managers in broadcasting with the knowledge, patience, and people skills that George had.

Jim Robinson

November 11, 2013

A fine and honorable man. It is a privilege to have known and worked for him. RIP, George.

Gordon Brown

November 11, 2013

Could not have asked for a better boss at WRKO & WROR. He was my Chief Engineer.
My sympathy to all of his family and extended family.

November 11, 2013

Aunt Jane, and family,
We were so suprised to hear of Uncle Georges passing. We loved uncle George very much, he was a great man, and a great uncle!! We will surely miss him!! Rest in peace Uncle George, and may God Bless your soul!! You will be greatly missed by so many people who loved you! Rest in peace Uncle George!!

Love, Paul, MaryJean, Christian, and Sean Capalbo

Erica Farber

November 11, 2013

How fortunate I was to have had the privilege of working with George. He was not only smart but an incredible gentleman. My best wishes go out to his entire family and I thank you all for allowing us to be part of his extended family. He made us all better. God bless you all.

Mel Phillips

November 10, 2013

Rest in Peace George. We went through a lot together and we'll always be joined at the hip in WRKO history. You were one of the best people I ever had the privilege of working with. R.I.P.

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