Phillip "Nonno" Cappellini

Phillip "Nonno" Cappellini, 96, a lifelong resident of Jessup, passed away peacefully Thursday morning. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, the former Emma Tassi, who died on July 22, 1993.

Born in Jessup, he was the son of the late Angelo and Assunta Fiorucci Cappellini. A proud United States Army veteran, he served as a 104th Infantry Timberwolf during World War II, where he was the recipient of the Bronze Star for heroism during active duty in Germany. As a fourth grade technician, Cappellini also assisted in liberating the Dora-Mittlebaugh concentration camp.

Upon returning from the war, he was employed in the local mines and later worked as a machine operator in the heavy construction industry until his retirement. He was a proud Italian American who supported Jessup's St. Ubaldo Society and American Legion.

Phil was affectionately known as "Nonno" to so many who adored him. He prided himself on having the cleanest car in Lackawanna County, enjoyed all his grandchildren's sporting events, and cherished the time spent with his family and his little buddy, Coco. He had a special bond with his son's in-laws, Michael and Joan Racobaldo. He especially loved the time shared with his great-grandchildren, as they were the true "light of his life." If Nonno wasn't in a sport jacket or turtleneck, he was well known for his jogging outfits, his white hat and of course his perfectly clean New Balance sneakers.

For 25 years, he was seen nearly every morning walking at Mellow Park with his longtime companion, the late Martha Killiany, where they would greet every walker with a kind "good morning" and a smile. His favorite pastime was joining his friends for nightly card games at the Club 100 or joining the "guys" at Santarelli's or Cousin's for a morning coffee. His infectious laugh, caring touch and endless love will be profoundly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

The family would like to thank the staff at Traditional Health Care, Mid Valley Heath Care Center, Nurse Judy at HHCP, and his nephew, Dr. Wayne Weston, for the dedication, compassion and love given to Nonno throughout the last few years. A special thank you to his personal caretakers, Carol, Lois, Joy, Paula, Cassidy and Jean, whom he adored and shared many stories with.

Surviving are his loving son with whom he resided, Philip Cappellini, and wife, Ann Racobaldo Cappellini, Jessup; his loving granddaughter, Taryn Dicken and husband, Matthew, Philadelphia; his loving grandson, Michael Cappellini and fiancée, Holly Scacchitti, Jessup; great-grandchildren, Reese and Case Dicken; several nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by sisters, Julia Marsili, Clara Cappellini and Columbia Weaver; brothers, Fred, Pat and Amerigo Cappellini.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10 a.m. in the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 1101 Willow St., Peckville. Interment with military honors will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Jessup. Family and friends may pay their respects Thursday morning from 9 to 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Lori Fund, 85 Ocean Crest Way, Apt. 632, Palm Coast FL 32137, or www.TheLoriFund.com, which gives back to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Arthur A. Albini Funeral Home, 1003 Church St., Jessup. Please visit the funeral home website to leave an online condolence.