Dan R. De Caprio

Dan R. De Caprio, age 71, of Manhattan, passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. Survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Carol (nee Elliott) De Caprio; children Scott (Melanie) De Caprio, Carrie De Caprio, and Darcie De Caprio; grandson Grayson De Caprio; siblings David (Shelly) De Caprio, Debbie (Dan) Donato; brothers-in-law Chuck Elliott and Michael (Jolie) Elliott; nieces and nephews Julie (Kyle) Burpo, Brian De Caprio, Shane (Jenifer) Elliott, Devon (Tracy) Elliott, Rory Elliott, Ian (Jill) Elliott, Colin (Melanie) Elliott and Grace Elliott; aunts Betty Hewlett, Sally Barnett and Perina "Babe" Matkovic; several cousins, great-nephews, and great-nieces. Preceded in death by his parents John and Maxine (nee Lacey) De Caprio and his parents-in-law Charles and Lena (nee Del Bianco) Elliott.
Dan was born in Chicago, moved to Park Forest in 1962, and to Manhattan in 1991. He was a graduate of Rich East High School in 1970. Dan received his bachelor's degree in physical education from Illinois State University in 1974, where he met his wife Carol. Dan went on to get his master's degree in physical education/athletics administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1982. Dan began his career as a teacher and coach at Crete-Monee High School, where he served as the head football coach, and an assistant coach for baseball, basketball, and wrestling. Dan continued his career at Lewis University in 1982, where he worked in the admissions office and served as the baseball pitching coach for 25 years. Dan coached several teams that went on to compete in the College World Series, as well as multiple players who reached the profession level. He coached USA Baseball at the collegiate level, competing overseas. Dan had the privilege of coaching the Joliet Jackhammers, and working in the front office of the 2011 Frontier League Champions Joliet Slammers. Dan also spent time coaching at Marion Catholic H.S., Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA, Moraine Valley Community College, and most importantly, coaching his son's baseball teams and his daughters' softball teams.
Dan loved sports. He was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan and he enjoyed watching the Chicago Bears and Chicago Blackhawks. Dan has served as a school board member for Manhattan School District 114 for the past 12 years, and he was about to begin his 4th term. During his lifetime, Dan was a member of the ABCA, Pitch & Hit Club, Old Timers Baseball Association, and Lincoln-Way Foundation. Dan was a devoted husband, loving father, dear grandpa, beloved brother, uncle, nephew, coach, and friend. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Visitation for Dan will be on Monday, May 15, 2023, from 3-8:00 P.M. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home. Funeral service will be the next day, Tuesday, May 16, 2023, beginning with prayers at the funeral home at 10:30 A.M. then in procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Manhattan for 11:00 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial. Interment St. Joseph Guardian Cemetery, Manhattan. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Sarcoma Foundation of America by visiting https://www.curesarcoma.org, American Heart Association by visiting https://www.heart.org, or Manhattan School District 114 by visiting https://dandecaprio.cheddarup.com/ would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.