Theodore Cappas

1925 - 2021

Cappas, Theodore A. "Ted"

MADISON - Theodore A. "Ted" Cappas, age 96, of Madison, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021. He was born on Feb. 19, 1925, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Angeline (Kambili) and Andrew Cappas (Kappatsoulisas) from Andravitha and Gargalianoi, Greece. His father died in 1936 leaving his wife behind with four young children - Cynthia, 12 years old; Ted, 10; Mary, 8; and Coula, 15 months old. Being the only male in the family, Ted suddenly became the head of the household.

After graduating from West High School in Minneapolis, Ted, at the age of 18, was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943. After basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., Ted qualified for the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP). He was sent to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and enrolled in the engineering program. This was intended to be a four-year engineering program, however, when Ted and others who qualified were enrolled in this program, the curriculum was to be completed in 18 months. In 1944, while attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Ted was called to serve active duty in World War II. He was drafted into the 96th Infantry Division, and saw action in the Liberation of Leyte, the Philippines, and Okinawa. Ted was awarded the Bronze Star for the Okinawan Campaign. He was honorably discharged from the Army on Jan. 11, 1946.

Ted's brother-in-law, Emanuel, was interested in pursuing a career in the restaurant business. In 1946, upon Ted's discharge from the Army, Emanuel solicited him to join him in this endeavor. As a result, in September 1946, the entire family moved to Madison where Ted and Emanuel opened Goldi's Restaurant. They then purchased the Spanish Café located on State Street.

In 1953, Ted was best man in his cousin, Pete Pappas' wedding in Chicago, Ill. Coincidently, Ted met his future wife, Adrienne Nestor (Nestorides), who was in the same wedding as the maid of honor for the bride, her cousin, Kathy. Ted and Adrienne were married in Chicago, Ill., on May 23, 1954, at Kismisis Greek Orthodox Church. Adrienne's uncle, Father Dimitrios Nestorides, "Theo Papa," performed the ceremony. Ted and Adrienne were married for 65 years.

Ted ran several of the most popular restaurants and bars in the Madison area. In addition to Goldi's and The Spanish Café, these establishments included: The Park Motor Inn, Nakoma Country Club, The Left Guard Steak House and the Library Lounge. He also provided bar and restaurant catering for the Madison Civic Center. During the last years of his career, Ted was part of the management team at The Fireside Theatre in Fort Atkinson, Wis.

Pappou (grandfather), as he was known by his grandchildren, Adrianna, Marina, and Aristotle Awes, and their friends, had a gregarious, kind, welcoming spirit about him. He proudly drove around town with the license plate "PAPPOU3." It didn't matter who you were, he'd do just about anything for you. He made all of his grandchildren's friends feel as though he was their Pappou or "grandfather" too. Pappou lived such a long and full life and was just months away from his 97th birthday.

Before his wife's passing on April 25, 2020, he happily spent nearly all his time with Adrienne who, he said, "put up with me being in the food and bar industry for so many years, working nights, weekends, holidays, etc."

Ted is survived by his daughter, Angela "Kiki" Cappas-Awes; son-in-law, Phil Awes; grandchildren, Marina and Aristotle Awes; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Cynthia (Emanuel) Fokakis, Mary (Chris) Zazas; Coula (Arge) Drubulis; his wife, Adrienne; and his granddaughter, Adrianna Awes.

A funeral service will be held at ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 11 N. Seventh St., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, with a Trisagion service at 7 p.m., and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice and especially his caregivers, Julie and Jenny, Sister Nicole, Kristin, Danielle, Ally, Lori, Angela, and Denise for the above and beyond care, support, and love given to Ted and to the entire family.

Memorials may be made to Madison Ahepa Chapter 369. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420