JOHN F. CAPALDI

CAPALDI, JOHN F., Of Providence, RI passed away while surrounded by his loving family on Thursday April 29, 2010 after suffering a stroke last December. He was the beloved husband of Barbara (Stead) Capaldi for nearly 55 years and the son of the late John Capaldi and Anna (Morelli) Capaldi.

An extraordinari- ly generous and compas- sionate man, he was fiercely loyal to his family and friends. His gregarious personality and quick wit brought a smile to all he met. He was also a voracious reader, a foreign film devotee and a music lover with an extensive knowledge of jazz musicians dating back to the 1930's. But he most enjoyed spending time with his seven granddaughters, taking an active part in all their lives.

He was a graduate of Providence College and Boston University School of Law. After law school he served in the U.S. Army as a member of the elite Army Counterintelligence Corps, in Washington, D.C. After being discharged from the service he was engaged in the practice of law before accepting an appointment by then RI Governor John Notte, to serve as the Director of the RI Department of Public Works, the agency that preceded the current RI Department of Transportation. Following his tenure at that department he reestablished, along with his childhood friend Michael A. Favicchio, Capldi Bros. Corp., a heavy construction firm which specialized in the installation of underground utilities. Under his leadership the company expanded into asphalt and highway construction becoming one of the primary contractors in the RI and Southeastern Massachusetts market. It was during this time that John tragically lost his youngest child David A. Capaldi, at the age of 6, to a battle with asthma. The construction company was eventually sold to a publicly held concern in 1992 with John staying on as CEO and later Chairman of the Board until his retirement in 2001.

In addition to his stewardship of Capaldi Bros. Corp., he was an active member of the Democratic Party, serving as its Chairman during the 1960's, a delegate to its Constitutional Convention on several occasions and as an active member of the Democratic State Committee for many years. He was also appointed by former RI Governor, Frank Licht to serve as Chairman of the RI Commission on Racing and Athletics, a position he held for nearly eight years.

He was also member of the following Boards, Associations and Foundations; The RI Bar Association; The Fogarty Foundation; Providence College Building Fund; Wanskuck Boy's Club - Hall of Fame; Utility Contractors Association of RI; The DaVinci Center and many other social organizations.

He is survived by his three children, Patty Ann Trant of Barrington, John P. Capaldi of Providence and Betsy J. Kunz of Warwick; his sisters Justine D'Angelis of North Providence and Clair Botelho of Smithfield; and his seven beloved granddaughters.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday in St. Anthony Church, 1413 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence. Calling hours will be prior to the Mass from 8:30 - 10:00AM at A.A. MARIANI & SON Funeral Home, 200 Hawkins St., Providence. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Make A Wish Foundation, 1 State St., Suite 100, Providence, RI 02908. www.marianiandson.com