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John James "Babe" Cappello

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St. Francis de Sales High School Chicago State University Eastern Illinois University

John Cappello Obituary

JOHN JAMES CAPPELLO "BABE" LANSING, IL
John James "Babe" Cappello, a resident of Lansing, IL, passed away 66 years young on Friday March 26, 2010 at his home after a difficult battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife, Rosemary (Ruggeri) Cappello; caring children: John and Lisa; and dear brother, Dominic "Sonny" Cappello. John was born in Chicago on January 22, 1944 and was preceded in death by his parents: John and Lena Cappello. He grew up on Chicago's "East Side", forming lifelong friendships at Pietrowski Playground and Calumet Park. He obtained a B.S. in Education at Eastern Illinois and a Masters at Chicago State University. John was well known for his exceptional skills on the football field playing for EIU and later as a successful football coach at St. Francis De Sales High School. He continued to mentor young minds for 35+yrs as a teacher, dean, and counselor, both at SFDS H.S. and later Homewood-Flossmor H.S. He enjoyed golf, Sunday afternoon "sailing", breakfast with friends and most importantly making people laugh. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Friends may visit with the family on Monday, April 5, 2010 from 4:00-7:00 at Kish Funeral Home, 10000 Calumet Ave., Munster, IN (219)-924-3333. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday April 6, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 500 Northgate Drive, Dyer, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Calumet Area at www.hospicecalumet.org. www.kishfuneralhome.net

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Published by The Times from Apr. 2 to Apr. 3, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for John Cappello

25 Entries

Bern Biegel

March 27, 2023

JC, was a Great Coach and Mentor for his players at SFDS. There's advice that I live by that he gave me almost 50 years ago. He was always ready to support you when you needed it and he meant a lot to me. His advice was always right on target and that is why I pray for him everyday. He was one of the best Coaches that I had the pleasure to play for. May God Bless his Soul and he will always be with me!

Bern Biegel

March 31, 2020

J.C. was a great Coach, Mentor, and Dean! I still remember and practice some advice he gave me over 45 years ago. He was always someone you could talk to and share a concern with, and come out feeling better about your situation. He was a Great Guy and leader; I wish I could talk to him today! Thanks for everything you shared with me!

May 7, 2010

Rosie, John and Lisa: May all the wonderful memories of your husband/father sustain you during this time of sorrow. My deepest condolences on the loss of such a loved man.

Tara Marin-Lagestee

April 25, 2010

Dear Cappello Family,
John was my Coach and Mentor for several years at ST. Francis. He was a great person to be around and he always treated his students and players with great respect. His was an individual of the finest character and I can still remember advice and counseling he shared with me more than 35 years ago. I am very sorry for your loss and the fact that I never got the chance to tell him how much he meant to me and so many other students. God bless his soul and may he also help you endure the pain of his passing.

Bern Biegel SFDS Class of '74

Verranzo (Dee) De Sadier, Jr.

April 21, 2010

I am truely sorry to hear that John "Coach" Capello had died. I remember from my years at St. Francis de Sales during the late 1960s'.
John was one of those teachers that was easy to speak to and willing to listen. But he never took any crap. That is why I respected and loved him so much. He was my biology teacher and coach. He gave me soccer shoes to where when I played football because my shoes weighed 50lbs.each. Free! Always gave me good advice and stood by you when you were right. Yes, he was a fair man...to all the students no matter your station. He made some trying times at SFDS better when he came on board. He was the number one reason why I stayed at DeSales. I will never forget Mr. Cappello. I also remember Ms.Ruggeri at SFDS. She was always known as a great person. Sorry for your loss and God Bless you and the family. I will miss my friend!!

Linda Cruce-Robin

April 15, 2010

I am so sorry to hear this news!!! May God take John's soul. You were/are a great guy, John.

Karen Colarelli Krusinowski

April 7, 2010

Dear Rosie and family,

I was truly sorry to hear of John's passing. I remember both of you from our high school days. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Kay Colvin

April 7, 2010

I knew Johnny from the golf course. He was a kind an generous man. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Jack Zackey

April 6, 2010

When I arrived at DeSales in 72, it was my 3rd school in 3 years. If not for Mr. Cappello I would of never made it to where I am today. He was my coach, my mentor and many times my best friend. I'll never forget the huge part he played in my life. A few years ago I had the chance to tell him that and I'm glad I had the opportunity to share that with him. He was a special person, kind, caring and a smile that could light up a room. He will always have a special place in my heart. My deepest sympathy for your loss.

ken sebahar

April 6, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Laurence Velchek

April 5, 2010

John played an integral part in making St Francis de Sales one of the premier Catholic High Schools in its day. His legacy lives on in the multitude of students who learned discipline, sportsmanship and scholarship under his tutelage.

Jim Nasella

April 4, 2010

I played sports with and against John on the East Side from the time I was ten years old, and I taught at St. Francis with him and his wife Rosemary.
I remember him as a "fearless" football player. There were at least two plays where the opposing team would send several players around end to block or a runner, and it looked like the play was going to develope into a long touchdown. Then suddenly those players would scatter and fall like bowling pins, and the runner would be tackled. When the players would unpile, there was John at the bottom. (I believe once he had been knocked out) What he had done was to dive into all those big guys (He was probably one of the smallest players on the field) He had knocked their legs out from under them. It was the kind of play that, even to a person knowledgeable about football, would make you rub your eyes in disbelief, and ask, "Did I just see that?"
Later on when he coached, John brought that same fearlessness with him. A teacher and coach often lead kids not by what they say, but by who they are. John Cappello, to all who knew him, was that kind of player, teacher and coach.

Bob Contreras

April 4, 2010

I am shocked by the news of Mr. Cappello’s passing.
He was a big part of my life in high school. Always had
encouraging words and a laugh. I will pray for your entire
family. I am saddened at his passing. The things he taught me, I’ve passed on to my sons. He was special.
My God bless your family during this time. And may God bless Mr. Cappello. I will miss you. Thank you for everything.
Bob Contreras

Danielle

April 4, 2010

Dear Rose, Lisa and John,

I am so sorry to hear about John. My father loved John so much. He was a wonderful friend to our family and he will be dearly missed. Growing up I remember the many times John made me laugh and smile. I am so very grateful that my father had a friend like John. Deepest sympathy for your loss. Danielle

Frank Arceneaux

April 3, 2010

April 03,2010

Dear Rosa, John and Lisa, Mr. Capello was my football coach and teacher at St.Francis Desales from 1969 thru 1973. Mr Capello was firm and fair. We only saw each other once since graduating from St. Francis. It was at a game at Homewood ten years ago, but when we met he knew my name immediately. Not sure if that's was good or bad. He was a great role model, leader and teacher. He will be greatly missed! Thank you for sharing him with me.

Michael Kaczmarz

April 3, 2010

I was fortunate to teach at DeSales with John. I am thankful I had the chance to know him and call him friend. Everyone respected and valued him. He graced many lives and truly enriched us all with his warm smile. I offer his family my prayers and sympathy.

Corny Morgan

April 3, 2010

Dear Rose, Lisa and Johhny,

John was a great guy and we always enjoyed being with him. He had a great sense of humor and was a real gentleman. May God bless you and put His arms around you.

Corny and Liz Morgan

Harold Hanley

April 3, 2010

I was sorry to hear about the death of John Capello who I remember from my years at St. Francis de Sales during the late 1960s'.
John was one of those teachers you knew to be very approachable for any student matter you might have, known to be "cool" by most students and since he was from the same neighborhood most of his students were.
Our prayers are with John's family and friends to ensure they will have the strength necessary to get them through the next few days.

Bill Lynn

April 3, 2010

I haven't seen Mr. Cappello since I left high school. He was a great guy, coach and teacher. Always very honest and fair. Sympathy to his family.

Brian Duffy

April 2, 2010

Mrs. Cappello, John & Lisa,
I'm very sorry to hear about your loss.
He was a football coach, a mentor and knew when to be tough or let things slide. He has and will always be a factor in my life some 38 yrs later. I'm sure generations of SFDS students and ball players can say the same. Even though I have not seen or talked with him in years, he always had that easy smile and was glad to see old faces from our school. I will keep him
and you in my thoughts and prayers.
Class of 1972

Jerry Farrer

April 2, 2010

Although John and I haven't seen each other in several years, I still consider him one od the best friends I ever had. John was a class act. We had many good times to gether at St Francis. Our thoughts and parayers are with you and your family. John will always be remembered in my prayers.

dave wilford

April 2, 2010

I have known Johnny since the early days of Taylor elementary and the Cal park gym. Swimming off the rocks at Lake Michiagan, and the later years with the Ruggeri family. John was always a leader, and a great role model for young men of the East Side.

Mike, Caryn, Chris & Laura Kazmierczak

April 2, 2010

Dear Rosemary, John & Lisa,

We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
I know our religion promises us heaven if we're good here on earth, and we can only know that's where he is.
Sometimes the peace of death is far greater than what this life had become for him.
I remember growing up with my brother Jimmy & sister Jennifer all the fun times we shared with Johnny & Sonny, they were such a big part of our lives. I know you have many happy memories as well, and you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Bert Hudson

April 2, 2010

John was a great person and all of us will miss him, To his family I wish you my deepest symarhy.

Gail Lee

April 2, 2010

Dear Rose & Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved. You have been in my thoughts and prayers and I will continue to pray that the dear Lord will bring you comfort with all the wonderful memories.
I know what you are going through and if you ever want to talk I'm always here for you.
Amore'

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