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Marc Kapellas Obituary

Marc Jules Kapellas April 25, 1932 - March 14, 2010 The most wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend passed away peacefully at his home in Kentfield early Sunday morning. He will be profoundly missed by his soul-mate, wife and best friend for over 45 years, Tudy (Ellen), who he met on a blind date in 1964, and married 6 months later. They were inseparable and their life was filled with love, laughter and mutual respect. Marc also leaves behind his much loved children, John, Marc (Teresa), Michael, David, and Lisa, as well as his wonderful grandchildren, Corey, Bri, Shana, Havilah, Paul, Marc, Jenelle, Cody and Nicolas and his five loved great-grandchildren, Ana, Mario, Luciano, Isabel and Marc Emilio. Born to John and Angele Kapellas in Sonoma, the youngest of nine children, Marc spent his early years in Mountain View and Los Altos and then moved to Alameda for junior high and Alameda High School, graduating in 1950. He attended San Mateo Junior College and San Jose State and earned his degree from Cal State, Hayward, in 1962. During the Korean War, Marc served 3 years in the United States Air Force and then held a variety of jobs, including working for the Alameda Park Dept., Alameda Fire Dept., Alameda Co. Sr. Boys Camp and then as an elementary school teacher in San Lorenzo and Mill Valley School Districts for 25 years, during which time he was affectionately called "Mr. K". In his earlier years, Marc enjoyed fishing and boating with his family and "fishing buddies" and was so lucky to catch not one, but two, trophy fish. He also enjoyed history, especially WWII and the Civil War, and visited most of the battlefields more than once. In more recent times, he came to look forward to watching British films, along with just being in his home and garden. Marc absolutely LOVED music his entire life---almost all kinds---but his favorites were big band, modern and cool jazz, and vocal groups. There was always music playing in the Kapellas home. Marc was fun to be around. His magnetism, warmth and sense of humor charmed all who knew him. He made many life long friends and touched the lives of many of his students. Our world will never be the same without him! Please join us for a Celebration of Marc's Life to be held on Sunday, March 28th, at the Marin Art & Garden Center in Ross, from 2:00 - 5:00 PM. If desired, a memorial donation may be made to Hospice of Marin, 17 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Larkspur, CA 94939.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Mar. 21, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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Drew Crossman

April 19, 2010

Mr. K was my 5th and 6th grade teacher. Truly was the most inspirational teachers I ever had. He took my late father and I fishing on his boat on a couple occasions. I was shocked and sad when I heard of his passing. My prayers are with his family and he will be missed.

Gene Mazza

March 30, 2010

I know I can speak for the entire Lewelling Elementary School of 1965. You were and still are our favorite teacher. You knew when to discipline and when to show compassion. Even the discipline was fine with me because I knew you cared. If only we could have teachers like you today, I wouldn't worry so much about my granddaughters education. Love to Tudy, Lisa and Kapellas Boys.

Jon Black

March 28, 2010

I have many fond and vivid memories of times spent with Marc ... Class of 74-75 Tam Valley school and Mill Valley Middle- 7th and 8th grade. He treated me as a son and played a profound role in my youth. The many lunches and inspiring conversations we had together ... burgers, fries and shakes (which he would pay for and I would pick up, riding my bike to and from Shoreline coffee shop.) He was always filled with compassion... fun, strict, and to the point.. These are characteristics I always admired in him along with his huge loving heart. Marc was my favorite teacher and a good friend I will never forget.
Love to Tudy, Lisa and their entire family. Lisa and I both send our love and condolences.

Stephani Regalia

March 26, 2010

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Kapellas, especially for his family. He was without question my favorite teacher and thinking back on my time in his fifth and sixth grade classes brings back many fond memories. There were the floods where we spent days indoors, games of capture the flag at Boyle Park, and of course, having to spell his name on every spelling test! We'll miss you Mr. K.

Jeff Mao

March 26, 2010

I shared the pleasure of Mr. K's class with Jeannette, Johle, and Heather. He is one of the influences the led me to profession of education. He was a great teacher, and the world is a better place because of him. Thanks Mr. K!

Jeannette Bitz

March 25, 2010

Mr. Kapellas was among a group of teachers that had a strong influence on my education (From grade school through college). He was my 6th grade teacher and I have to say I actually enjoyed learning. He knew when to be strict and when to use his sense of humor to connect with us. I will always remember Mr. Kapellas fondly and appreciate his lessons both in academics and life. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Johle Hasley

March 25, 2010

Mr. K was my 6th grade teacher , he and my mother taught at the same school and when she called me I was shocked and sad. My prayers are with his family and he will be missed,
Johle Hasley (Modesto, Ca)

Heather Gordon

March 24, 2010

He was a teacher who has stuck with me all these years. I remember his sense of humor and a great smile but he was tough too.
He taught our 6th grade class great older songs. We all sang Mack the knife and close to you. To this day I think of him when I hear those songs.

George Crebassa

March 24, 2010

Mr Kapellas

I have to say of all the teachers I've ever had he was one of the best at getting me to want to learn. I had him for 5th grade at Tam Valley School in the 1974-75 school year. Here are a few things I remember from his class, football and his bullet like underarm pass, doing presidential physical fitness test as he timed us, his science projects that always seemed to involve some level of danger and of course dominoes. As fun as it all sounds I learned a lot that year!

Saddened to hear of his passing and my sympathies to his family. He will be missed.

Debbie Wiegmann

March 22, 2010

Oh I am so saddened to hear about the passing of Marc. We were just talking about him over on Facebook. He was the greatest school teacher ever. Loved playing dominoes in his class. My deepest sympathies to his family.

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