Name: Visitation for R. Gary Capitano
Start: 2021-07-26T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-07-26T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Luzerne County Courthouse Rotunda

R. Gary Capitano, 63, of Kingston Twp., passed away peacefully Sunday, July 18, 2021, in Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center with his loving wife, daughter and son by his side.

Born in Wilkes-Barre on May 26, 1958, Gary was the son of Agnes née Lonie Capitano and the late Patrick Capitano.

He graduated from Coughlin High School, Class of 1976. After high school he attended The Citadel, the Military College of the South Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and graduated magna cum laude in 1980. While at the Citadel, Gary rose to the rank of Bravo Company Commander. His academic achievements included Gold Stars, Commandant's List, President's List, Dean's List and a Rhodes Scholarship nomination. In addition, he had the distinct honor of being selected for the 1980 Junior Sword Drill, a 14-member cadet precision drill unit comprised of the highest-ranking juniors.

Gary then entered the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va., for counterintelligence operations training and worked at the FBI HQ Counterintelligence Division, Washington, D.C.

In 1988, he joined the detective division of the Luzerne County District Attorney's Office, where he devoted the next three decades to seeking justice for the victims of some of the worst crimes in Luzerne County history. This he did with passion and dedication. He served as a mentor to several interns who became close and trusted friends. After 31 years of service, he retired as detective lieutenant in Jan. 2020.

People gravitated to him for friendship and sought his advice on matters big and small. You could always count on Gary to give it to you straight, not holding anything back. Everyone enjoyed his quick wit and zeal for storytelling. Underneath Gary's tough exterior resided a kind, generous and loving spirit. Those who knew him knew this well.

In addition to his family and work, he was passionate about football, hunting, history, bulldogs, grilling, peppers and garlic (much to his wife's dismay). Since he was a young boy, he was fanatical about the Raiders, his favorite NFL football team. Gary remained a loyal member of Raider Nation and never missed watching a game, despite their recent struggles. Along with that, many proud moments were had as he was actively involved with the Kingston Twp. Raiders Youth Football program and, as "Coach Gary," led his son's team to four championship wins.

Gary was an avid hunter with an appreciation for nature and cherished time with his family and hunting buddies at the family property in Bradford County known simply as "The Farm."

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a son, P. Louis Capitano.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Angela; their children, Dana Capitano and Peter Capitano; mother, Agnes Capitano; sister, Blair Capitano; and brother, Jay Capitano.

Respects may be paid from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Luzerne County Courthouse rotunda, 200 N. River St., Wilkes-Barre, with words of remembrance to be spoken at 6:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Arrangements are from Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home Inc., Shavertown.

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

Published by Citizens Voice from Jul. 22 to Jul. 23, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for R. Capitano

Sponsored by Snowdon Funeral Homes - Shavertown.

18 Entries

Kevin grevera

June 14, 2024

Gary´s obituary epitomizes exactly who I knew him to be. It was a great pleasure working complicated criminal investigations with him over the years. Rest in peace old friend. It certainly was a pleasure knowing you.

Kurt Girmen

July 17, 2022

It has been a year since Gary´s passing and I think of him often. I am sorry that over the years myself and Gary didn´t see each other that much but when we got together it was like we just seen each other the day before as if no time had passed. I miss him, but hope that someday we will see each other again and we can start up as if no time has passed. Rest In Peace my dear friend.

Jim Lovelace

August 3, 2021

We are the neighbors of The Farm in Bradford County, PA. Gary was such a great friend and we hunting together since our farms were next to each other. He will be sorely missed by me and our family. RIP buddy. Jim

Bruce Brown

August 2, 2021

To the Capitano family, We are so sorry for your loss of a great guy. Gary was a kind and generous friend that would do anything for you. He will be deeply missed. Rest in peace Gary

Patti Shultz

July 27, 2021

Our deepest condolences to all the family. A great man will missed by all .
Rest in Peace by dear friend.

Louis F. Meren

July 26, 2021

My condolences to the Capitano Family. I was saddened to hear of the loss of Gary. It was then that I reviewed his remarkable life accomplishments in the over 55 years that I knew him. I hope that the love and pride you must feel in knowing of his accomplishments and greatness will sustain you in the future. GoOD Bless You All.

Rick Osmun, Citadel Class of 1980

July 26, 2021

Dear Family and Friends....I am shocked to learn of Gary's passing. We were classmates at the Citadel and very close friends...we held a special brotherhood together! After graduation, we shared an apartment in Laurel, MD...with Gary working at the FBI and me at NSA...eventually our careers took us in different directions. Gary consistently exemplified the "whole person" concept...he was a great man. My sincere condolences to Gary's immediate family...although I never met you...I feel like I know you. May the memories of him give you peace. RIP my eternal Friend and Citadel Brother.

Martin Kane

July 26, 2021

Dear Capitano Family: I would like to extend my most sincere condolences on the death of your husband&father Gary. My thoughts&prayers are with your family at this time.

JOHN ALAPICK

July 26, 2021

Gary was a good and solid man that I knew for many years. You always knew where you stood with him. My condolences go out to Gary's family and friends. RIP.

Mark Beattys

July 24, 2021

Rest In Peace to a man it was my honor to call my best friend for 50 years. Although he is gone there will not be a day for the rest of my life that I will not think of him and all the great times we had. My heart and my condolences go out to Angie, Dana , Peter and the rest of the Capitano family.

July 23, 2021

Condolences to the entire Capitano family.
Memories of growing up in Midvale will never be
forgotten. We are so sorry for your loss.
Ron&Deb Danko

Mark Singer

July 23, 2021

Your life was too short, but your was well lived....until we meet again my friend.

Jerry Hanchulak

July 23, 2021

You will be missed my friend. We were friends since childhood. As teenagers and young adults we were always together. You were honest, loyal and dedicated to your friends and family. We were all lucky to have you. Over the last couple months my dad was ill. Gary called my dad on a weekly basis to comfort him. That is who he was. God bless Angie, Dana, Peter and the entire family.

David and Kathleen Zekoski

July 23, 2021

I worked with Gary for many years. He was a great detective and an even better friend. His rough exterior hid a true heart of gold. He was a man's man. I will always rember the many lunches we shared discussing work, football and life. He was proud of his entire family and talked lovingly of all of you. I hope the good memories you have of Gary will give you some solace at this time. Rest in peace my friend.

Jay Capitano

July 23, 2021

Bye Bye Baby Brother Love and Prayers for you. Rest Now My Brother May You See Daddy in Heaven.

Anita Tkach Rudda

July 22, 2021

Gary was a friend since childhood in Plains Township. My condolenses go to his entire family.

Kurt & Dylis Girmen

July 22, 2021

We are deeply saddened on the passing of my dear friend Gary. Gary and me grew up together in same house on Maffett St. in Plains. He was my best man at our wedding and a dear friend. Our condolences to his wife, children, mother, brother and sister. His passing has left a great hole in my heart. Rest In Peace dear friend and brother.

Tom and Christine Skorodensky

July 22, 2021

Heartfelt condolences to Angie, Dana, Peter and the entire Capitano family. Gary was a true friend in every way and will always be fondly remembered . This is a very sad time for both of us. RIP friend.

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results