Thomas A. Capobianco

1929 - 2016

Thomas A. Capobianco, 86
WINDHAM - Thomas A. Capobianco, "Cappy," 86, died on March 14, 2016, at Gosnell Hospice Home in Scarborough following a nine-month battle with cancer. Born in Boston, Mass., on June 13, 1929, to Raymond and Adeline (Valente) Capobianco, he was raised in Newton, Mass.
Interested and talented in all things mechanical from an early age, he began work as an auto mechanic upon graduation from Newton High in 1948 and continued in that field while serving his country as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army Ordinance Corps during the Korean Conflict. He married Jean M. Mullin in 1953 and they resided in Wellesley, Mass., where their two sons were born and raised.
His specialized career began in 1955 when he joined the fast-growing food packaging industry, installing and maintaining high speed equipment in bakery, dairy, meat packing and fish processing plants throughout Northeastern U.S. and Canada. This career spanned 35 years, beginning with Marathon Corp., then American Can and subsequently, James River Paper, as corporate ownership changes occurred.
He retired to Maine where he continued his lifelong "hobby" of volunteerism that greatly enriched the lives of many, amongst them, Sebago Lake Condo Association, his home from 1985, where he served on the board of directors and led and worked on many major projects/improvements that enhanced this small community.
His 'retirement' summers were spent on Frye Island where opportunities for talented volunteers abounded for this young, growing community; he was always first in line to work on large projects such as a new fire barn, a new pump house, as well as many smaller ones that he enthusiastically 'crewed' on with 'third son' John Crosby.
He was honored by that community in 2014 when the town's beautiful ballfield was re-named Thomas "Cappy" Capobianco Family Park in recognition of his dedicated years of helping to build and then maintain the island field. He worked tirelessly to keep it in pristine condition and loved watching the kids enjoy a variety of athletic pursuits there.
He was predeceased by his parents and by his former wife, Jean (Mullin) Capobianco. His survivors include his loving partner of 35 years and dear friend for more than 60, Grace Pierce Morin; his sons, Mark T. Capobianco and wife Lee Simmons of Watkinsville, Ga., and Paul A. Capobianco and wife Jodi of Raynham, Mass.; and his sister Florence Capobianco, and brother Raymond Capobianco and wife Mae, all of Wellesley, Mass. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Chad, Nicole, Jessica, Steven, Andrew, David and Brian Capobianco; five loving nieces, Nancy, Ann, Brenda, Patricia and Paula, and one 'namesake' nephew, Tom, and their spouses.
Cappy's love and devotion to animals, large and small, domestic and wild, is legendary; many birds, ducks, rabbits and squirrels were 'adopted' over the years when orphaned, and many canine friends have enjoyed warm playtime and treats with Cappy, especially his newest buddy, Lovey Ulrich!
Cappy has been a unique man; under his sometimes brusque demeanor, he has always been a gentle, caring guy who touched many lives in a positive manner. He will be missed greatly by his dear friends and family.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Helen Ryan and her 'team' - Sarah, Susan, Summer and Jaime - of New England Cancer Center, Scarborough, as well as the extraordinary staff of Gosnell Hospice Home, for their superb and loving care.
At his request, there will be no visiting or funeral services. A committal service will take place at his family's grave site in St. Mary's Cemetery, Needham, Mass., at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being handled by Dolby Funeral Home, Windham.

In lieu of flowers,
gifts would be welcomed by
Gosnell Memorial Hospice Home
11 Hunnewell Road
Scarborough, ME 04074