Francis J. Capone

Francis J. Capone died July 27, 2022, while on vacation in New Bedford, MA surrounded by his family. He was born on February 9, 1938, in Quincy, MA, son of the late Angelo and Rachel Capone. He spent his entire boyhood in Quincy where he graduated from Quincy High School in 1955. He graduated in the top of his class from Boston University, Boston, MA, where he earned a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering. After graduation in 1959, he was employed as a Research Engineer at the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA where he was responsible for mentoring many people throughout his career. He was involved in many important research projects aimed at the improving of aircraft performance, primarily military performance aircraft. While working as a Research Engineer in the Propulsion Aerodynamics Branch, he was known for his work in thrust vectoring, propulsion induced effects, and propulsion simulation test techniques. He received the Exceptional Service Medal and several NASA Group Achievement Awards. He was the author or coauthor of over 100 technical reports. He married the love of his life Diane M Ramsey, of Belmont, MA in February of 1960, and together they raised 3 children and were married for 55 years. Francis loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved to travel and enjoyed great food and wine along the way. He also enjoyed playing cards and shooting pool. He always had a story to tell and made those around him feel welcome. He is preceded in death by his wife, Diane Capone. In Virginia he is survived by his daughter Colette Moody and her husband Daryl; his daughter Cathleen Norville and her husband Jimmy; his son Joe Capone and his wife Mary. He is also survived by his granddaughter Stephanie Payne, her husband Jeremy, and his great grandson Casey; his granddaughter Caitlyn Moody and her fiancé Drew Amor; and his granddaughter Emily Moody. In Massachusetts he is survived by his brother Harold Capone and his wife Judy; his niece Carey Andersen and her husband Eric and his great nephew Liam; his nephew Justin Capone and his wife Jillian; his cousin Louise LaRaia; and numerous other cousins. There will be a Funeral Mass on Monday, August 22, 2022, at 11 am, with a reception following at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hampton, VA