Obituary of Leonard Capista SR

Leonard Capista, Sr. Age 89. Passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside on Tuesday, November 13, 2007. A graduate of Joliet Township High School Class of 1936. He attended Eastern Illinois University and Joliet Junior College, where he was the Sports Editor for the School Newspaper. His editorial columns were titled "Caps Corner" and Lenz Focus". Leonard owned and operated several businesses throughout his life including Frosty Bottling Company, Almo Dry-Cleaning and Clothing Dye Business, Len Capista Builders, and he was Sales Manager at Alexander Construction in Romeoville. He became an Illinois Real Estate Broker in 1956 and had maintained his license for over 50 years. He owned and operated Will County Realty Company from 1969 to 1980. After his retirement, he was instrumental in helping all three of his sons in their individual construction companies. Leonard loved his parents, Felicia and Antonio Capista from Caramanico, Italy. His mother affectionately called him "Dominick". Leonard was proud of his Italian heritage, and his parents accomplishments in America. Almost 100 years ago, Leonard's parents followed other Italian families from Italy to Joliet, IL. They spent their lives building a future for their children. They loved Joliet and the life they were able to build here. Leonard lived a full life. His greatest joy was his family and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Leonard made each family member feel special and he was the family's anchor. Survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Irene (Pearcy) Capista, whom he married March 30, 1941 in St. Charles, MO; daughter, Linda (Calvin) Brosam; sons, Leonard (Martha), Lawrence (Betty), and Lee (Linda); nine grandchildren, Brent (Datha) Brosam of Joliet, Christina (Anthony) Nations of Gaithersburg, MD, Leonard J. (Amy) Capista of Plainfield, Rebecca (Mike) Anderson of Joliet, Wayne Walters, Amy Capista, Alan (Teresa) Capista, Kelly (Jeff) Petrovic all of Shorewood and Aaron (Maureen) Capista of Las Vegas, NV; 12 great-grandchildren, Ellis and Calvin Brosam, Eliza Nations, Madison Capista, Alexis Gregorash, Zach and Lauren Meyer, Quentin, Emma and Lorenzo Capista, Luke and Makenna Petrovic. Leonard also leaves behind to cherish his memory, numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, John and Alene Gerl, Katherine (George Capista) Columbo, Eileen (Theodore) Capista, Eunice Pearcy, Robert Pearcy, Mabel Cibulka, and Betty Beavais, and special beloved nephew, Andy Taras. Preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Felicia (Perone) Capista; brothers, George, Theodore and Frank in infancy; sisters, Mary Padovich and Delores Marks; daughter-in-law, Kathryn; best friend and brother-in-law, Andy Taras. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the entire staff at the Joliet Area Community Hospice. Each and every staff member and volunteer at Joliet Area Community Hospice was professional, kind and always treated individuals with great compassion, as well as dignity. Heartfelt thanks also to Leonard's sister-in-law, Alene Gerl (Irene's twin sister), who was a devoted caregiver; working side by side with her sister, Irene, during Leonard's illness and last days. Funeral Services for Leonard Capista, Sr. will be Friday, November 16, 2007 at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home to Holy Family Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Entombment Woodlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations to Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated. Visitation Thursday 4-8 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information: (815) 741-5500