Raymond Michael Cappelli

Raymond M. Cappelli, 89, of Washington, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 in Washington Hospital surrounded by his family.  He was born on November 2, 1928 in Canonsburg, PA, a son of the late Michael and Nellie Cornell Cappelli of Washington. On June 25, 1955, he married Gabriella Roba, who died in 2013. Mr. Cappelli was a graduate of Washington High School and the University of Pittsburgh. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army and Marine Corps.   He owned and operated the family’s business, Washington Distributing Company prior to his retirement.  While at the University of Pittsburgh, he lettered in wrestling from 1949-1951, and also served as captain of the wrestling team.  He was an active supporter and volunteer of Pitt athletics for more than 25 years. He was a member of the Golden Panther Board from 1983 to 1995. He was the president of the Golden Panther Club’s Washington Chapter.  He was president of the Safari Club International and was a very active member of the Brownson House, serving as chairman of the capital campaign for the Vernon Neal Sports Complex. Mr. Cappelli has been honored by numerous organizations for his outstanding service, including the Golden Panther Club’s Washington Chapter Member of the Year, as well as being a member of the Safari Club International Hall of Fame. He earned the Distinguished Citizen Award by the Italian American Society of Washington County. He received the Pitt Varsity Letter Club Award of Distinction and he was the recipient of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame Award in Wrestling. He was an active member of St. Hilary Church in Washington where he chaired the church’s finance committee, and was awarded St. Hilary’s Man of the Year Award.   He was noted for his fund-raising ability to assist in the growth and development of various community services. His interest in hunting has taken him all over the world.  He also enjoyed golf and was a charter member of the Lone Pine Golf Club. He was an avid fan of Pitt football, basketball, and wrestling. Ray will always be remembered for his outgoing personality, his positive attitude and his love of family.  Surviving are his children Raymond M. Cappelli II (Judi Grande) of Canonsburg, Carolyn (Dennis) Schwerzler of Woodstock, Georgia, Lesley Cappelli of Burnsville, Minnesota, James M. (Suzanne) Cappelli of Washington, a sister, Patricia (Marvin) Watson of Washington, a brother-in-law, Arthur Luba of Washington, seven grandchildren, Patrick and Sydney Sweeny, Carly and Michael Cappelli, Natalie, Alayna, and Claudia Cappelli, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Kathryn Elizabeth Luba. Friends will be received Thursday, December 21, 2017 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Friday, December 22, 2017 from 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the William G. Neal Funeral Home, 925 Allison Ave, Washington, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, December 23, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Hilary Roman Catholic Church, 320 Henderson, Washington, PA. with Father Robert Staszewski as celebrant. Entombment will follow at Queen of Heaven Mausoleum. Military honors will be accorded by American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post #175.                                                                                                      In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Brownson House, 1415 Jefferson Ave, Washington, PA 15301.