Robert "Cappy" Capitanio

Robert Capitanio passed away on May 8, 2024. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Barbara Buzinski Capitanio. Born July 19, 1930, in Torrington, he was the son of the late Massimilano and Maria Roman Capitanio. He was a 1948 graduate of Torrington High School and Oliver Wolcott Technical School and worked as an electrician until 1951 when he joined the Navy during the Korean War, where he served aboard aircraft carriers and was discharged in 1955 with the grade of Aviation Electronics Technician 2^nd Class. He attended the University of Connecticut under G.I. Bill and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering in 1958.

Cappy worked for Anaconda American Brass/Arco Metals for 27 years and retired from there in 1985. After doing consulting work for two years, he was employed by the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington as a facility electrical engineer until 1994 when he retired. 

Cappy was a member of Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Arco Retirees Group, 70 Plus Ski Club, Knights of Columbus and was a registered Professional Engineer with the State of Connecticut. He also served on the Southwest School Building Committee, Warner Theatre Property Committee, and was a communicant of Saint Mary’s Parish, now St. John Paul the Great Parish.

Cappy leaves three sons, Robert Capitanio (Lynn Dautrich), and Gary Capitanio of Torrington, Richard Capitanio (Carl Pallini) of San Diego, California, and two daughters, Cheryl Silliman (Robert) of Portland, Connecticut, and Amy Martinez (Billy) of Torrington, as well as many nieces and nephews, twelve grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

Cappy was a faithful supporter of his children and grandchildren in all of their activities, especially watching them participate in many sports. He and his wife enjoyed many years of travel, skiing, and time at their cottage at the Rhode Island shore. He faithfully exercised at the YMCA and was a supporter of UCONN sports. 

Cappy thoroughly enjoyed his residency at Keystone Place for over five years where he was actively involved in the community, having everyone listen to Johnny Cash daily. 

Cappy recently moved to Wolcott Hall and the family extends its gratitude to Wolcott Hall and all of its staff for the excellent care that Cappy received. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to The Alzheimer’s Association, 200 Executive Boulevard, Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489. 

Cappy was predeceased by Barbara, his loving wife of sixty years and his sister Melina Bourque of Derby, Connecticut. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter Church (St. John Paul the Great Parish), 99 East Main St., Torrington, CT. Relatives and friends are asked to meet directly at St. Peter Church. Burial will follow at St. Francis New Cemetery with full miliary honors accorded. Relatives and friends may call on Sunday, May 12, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, CT.