Arthur T. Capparelli

Arthur T. Capparelli, 78, of Osburn passed away on Friday, May 15th at Kootenai Medical Center. Art was born December 14th, 1930 in Wallace to John and May (Knapp) Capparelli. He was raised up Terror Gulch in Osburn and attended St. Alphonsus Catholic School through 8th grade. Art was employed at Britt's Garden Spot in Osburn where he met Norene Adams; they were married on September 10th, 1950 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Wallace. In his younger years, Art was a miner and owned his own logging company. In the 60s, he started his career in road construction working on the 1-90 freeway from Wallace to Mullan for Max Kuney Construction. He then spent many years as superintendent for Materne Brothers Construction of Spokane, Wa. It was there he was given the nickname "Top Wop". In 1982 he was the superintendent for North Central Construction working on the Placer Creek Flood Project. Art retired his career in 1985 as a Quality Control Inspector for Bart Construction. In 1952, with the help of his family, Art cut and skidded the logs to build a log home at the top of Terror Gulch. He was very proud of the house he built for his family. He & Norene raised four daughters in that log cabin which still remains their home today. Art loved to hunt and fish and attempt to grow bigger dahlia flowers than his brother, Junior. His great sense of humor, quick wit and love of laughter are a few of his finer characteristics that will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His daughters will never forget that "twinkle in his eyes" when he smiled. Art is survived by his wife of 58 years, Norene; His three daughters: Bonnie (Buddy) Sutherland of Post Falls, Debbie (Tom) Blake of Osburn, and Terrie Eberhard (Dave Pagel) of Wallace. He leaves behind 7 grandchildren: Brian Hodgson, Chrystal Hodgson, Stephanie Moore, Renee Fisher, Billy Sheldon, Angie Sheldon, Kaci Arave and 12 great-grandchildren. Art is also survived by sister, Louise Graffenberger of Osburn and brother, Wallace Idaho Capparelli of Blanchard. Preceding Art in death was his daughter Cindie Patton, his parents, 4 brothers: Louie, Charlie, Donald, Junior and one sister, June Kroupa. Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 22nd at the United Church of Kellogg in Kellogg, Idaho; followed by a gathering of family and friends at the Wallace Elks Lodge. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Real Life Ministries Food Room 10 S. Division Street, Pinehurst, Id. 86850.