Richard Eugene Capra

1956 - 2025

Richard Eugene Capra
05/12/1956 - 12/26/2025
Born in San Francisco to a yodeler and an Alaskan Pipeline worker, Richard Capra was never meant for an ordinary life. His unfolded in bold chapters like timeless cinema - colored by love, wild adventure, and a killer soundtrack. A stranger to no one and a joker to the end, he leaves behind stories that endure and a heart that does the same.
Richard grew up in Hunters Point, where garage doors rolled open on Saturdays and neighbors shared a meal. A linebacker at Woodrow Wilson High School with impressive sideburns, he earned the nickname "Cool Cap". Music found him early. As a kid, he padded his bedroom walls to play drums for hours. Eventually he bought his eight-piece Ludwig kit, hauling it in and out of some of San Francisco's most iconic venues, including Mabuhay Gardens, with 'the Sunset District's hottest power-pop band' Gypsy Dream. His dramatic fills and backup vocals can still be heard on their 1979 track, "Heart's Desire".
One day, Richard ordered five scoops of ice cream at Baskin-Robbins and offered the Sicilian-American counter girl Rolling Stones tickets. That girl, Marlene, became the love of his life. They danced through SF discos until sunrise, frequented the Geneva Drive-In movie theatre, married at Church of the Epiphany in the Excelsior, settled in San
Rafael, raised three children, and kept dancing for 43 incredible years. "We painted the town", Richard said, "and SF was our tapestry."
Fatherhood was Richard's proudest role. He was the legendary "fun T-ball coach," the builder of wildly elaborate school dioramas, and the loudest supporter of his kids' passions. He never missed an opportunity to change out of work clothes and join a backyard basketball game or pool noodle fight. He was often overheard bragging about his kids, or saying how much he loved them. If you're looking for Richard's legacy, it lives on through his children's humor, generosity and care for others.
Richard devoted 28 strong years to UC San Francisco, rising from radiology tech to Chief Administrative Officer of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Under his leadership, UCSF Orthopaedics became one of the nation's most respected departments. He also earned the prestigious UC Chancellor's Award, helped launch the Marin Heart and
Cancer Care Institutes at Marin General Hospital, and served as President of the Academic Orthopaedic Consortium - honors he accepted graciously, but never chased, believing that championing his colleagues and patient care mattered most.
Richard is lovingly remembered by his wife, Marlene; his children, Andrew (Monique), Olivia, and Gregory (Sarah); his sisters, Pauline "Babe" Rispoli and Darlene "Raye" Capra; and countless friends including his globetrotting cycling crew and 7am benchpress buddies. He was predeceased by his parents, James and Anita Capra, and his sister, Charlene "Gay" Joachim.
In lieu of flowers, Richard would prefer you enjoy a Mai Tai, dance with a loved one, or befriend a stranger.