Garry Fedele

Garry (Cappo) Fedele, affectionately known to many as "Captain Hook," passed away on May 15, 2025, in Sugarland, Texas. Born on August 19, 1949, Garry lived a life marked by resilience, character, and the enduring bonds of family.

He was the beloved husband of Melissa Fedele, who stood by his side with unwavering love and support. Garry was also a cherished brother to Rosemarie Cipra and John Fedele Jr., and he held close the memory of his late brother Francis "Franny" Kelley. He was a cherished uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Olga Fedele.

Garry's family extended through love and marriage to include his stepchildren Melissa Holland, her husband Jeremy, and Sarah Bible. He took great pride in being a grandfather to Cameron and Carson Bible, whose lives he touched with warmth and affection.

Garry Fedele was a music industry veteran and a real character. The truth is he was many characters. Born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, he grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, with a desire to divide and conquer.

Garry was cordially trained at Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music in Berea, Ohio and later attended broadcasting school in Cleveland, Ohio. His career path took him from music investigator for ASCAP in Cleveland, Ohio to a managing partner and coordinating talent for Jackie Lee Enterprises. It was his talent coordination position with Jackie Lee which enabled him to begin booking major acts, as well as producing live shows for Exile, Gary Morris, Lee Greenwood, and Frank Sinatra Jr. along with many other major artists.

In 1986, his passion for songwriting and performing sparked a hit song, released on Motion Records. "Bring Your Love Just a Little Bit Closer" ranked in Cashbox Magazine's top 100 Country Singles at #71 while simultaneously reaching #7 on the independent charts. All this was foreshadowed by years of live performances and continually placing in musical competitions and songwriting festivals including The American Song Festival's lyric competition. In 1988, he again placed in the Top Ten Charts with another self-penned tune, "The Happy Feeling of Christmas."

It was his move to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1989 to pursue songwriting that fostered a name change. Formerly tagged as "Captain Hook" by the songwriting community, referring to the hook of a song which is the selling point, Garry Fedele revealed a new character as he was then referred to by friends and fans as "Cappo".

Cappo took pride in his involvement with multi-Grammy nominated and winning projects produced by J. Aaron Brown and Associates "Love Songs and Lullabies for Daddy's Little Dreamer" and "A Child's Gift of Lullabies." Cappo was also involved in the critically acclaimed and Grammy Award winning, "Songs from the Neighborhood (A Tribute to Mr. Rogers)."

Cappo's ingenuity and creativity has always appealed to radio listeners. In 1978 he was awarded the Elvis Presley International DJ of the Year. He has a proven track record as an announcer including his work at the legendary WSLR, WKNT in Akron, Ohio and KJLA in Kansas City, Missouri. In Nasville he appeared as guest comic radio-bit writer and character actor. He created the memorable Flabbio on WRVW and the characters Beeb Ha Beep and PHAT Frankie on WRQQ.

Cappo's many and diverse talents including publishing a book of poetry in 1977 titled, "Thoughts," which is in its second printing. He also released what has now become a fan and industry favorite, "Cappolation" along with "4 Giving", four original songs that he recorded on The Motion Record Label with Industry Veteran Producer Johnny Morris.

Cappo's dedication to his craft has not only paid off for him, but the Nashville community. For 17 years he organized and hosted an annual Christmas fundraiser for the Nashville Humane Association. He enjoyed helping others and aspired to work with as many artists on their musical journey. He accomplished that as a producer, co-writer and consultant, while still continuing to pursue his own songwriting career. His credits also include booking agent for longtime friend and Multi Grammy Award winner and world-renowned arranger/producer, the late Al Delory.

In his later years Cappo retired to Wharton, Texas with his wife to be closer to his beloved grandsons and reflect on a lifetime full of memories and wonderful connections he has fostered over the years.

Those who knew Garry will remember him not only for his unique nicknames and personality but also for the presence he brought into every room-a man whose legacy is carried forward by those who loved him and will cherish the memories created together.

What you had essentially was a man with raw talent, diverse creative abilities, and proven track record. He was an original. God truly broke the mold with him as he was the one and only CAPPO.