Obituary of Anthony Capano

Anthony J. Capano, a resident of Burlington for 45 years, passed away at his home, with his family by his side, on Monday evening, June 9, 2008. The husband of the late Mary T. (Lettieri), he was 78 years old. Tony was born, raised and educated in Revere. He was the son of Italian immigrants the late Vincent and Elizabeth Capano. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving his country in the United States Army where he achieved the rank of Corporal. Tony was the recipient of the Army of Occupation Medal (Germany). Tony worked for Maytag for over 33 years as a “Maytag Repairman”. There wasn’t any appliance that he couldn’t fix. His family was the center of his life. His interests were his children’s interests. He coached his daughter Lisa’s soccer team. He enjoyed vacationing at their home in Lincoln, NH and every April for 13 years the family would vacation together in Florida. He always looked forward to family events and parties. He was an avid Red Sox fan and Tony and his wife Mary would always watch the games together. He was a member of the VFW, DAV, and the American Legion in Burlington. He was also a member of the Sons of Italy in Woburn. Tony is the beloved husband of the late Mary T. (Lettieri). He is the loving father of Lisa & her husband Jonathan Hague of Lowell and Stephen B. Capano & his wife Marcia P. of Burlington. He is the brother of Josephine Capano of Lynn, Betty Rogers of Swampscott, Kay Higgins of Lynn, and the late Theresa Caggiano, Vincent James Capano and Paul Capano. He is the grandfather of Henry & Ashley Pineau, Felicia Fields, Gina & Catarina Capano. Great Grandfather of Tyana & Anthony Carvalho. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Saturday, June 14 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge Anthony Capano a/k/a Tony Maytag Born November 11, 1929 Growing up in Revere as a boy my father told me his family did not have a lot of money. Living through the great depression must have been very difficult. He often told me his father would give him 5 cents and tell him to bring back the change. Tony went to work very young, 12 years old I think as most might have in those days. He delivered ice and lugged huge blocks up 3 flights of stairs. Who here remembers ice boxes? I often heard stories of Tony walking to school and it was uphill both ways in the snow and rain or maybe even mild hurricanes. Point was, they didn't get snow days. I heard he got hit in the knuckles with yardsticks, slapped in the head, and kicked in the chins by teachers. Those were the good old days I guess. I have a feeling Tony believed it built character. I agree. School wasn't Tony's strongest suit. Talking and making friends quickly was a gift that he knew he had. In the 11th grade he left school and went to work to help his family. Entering the military a few years later was a short but valuable experience for him. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving his country in the United States Army where he achieved the rank of Corporal. Tony was the recipient of the Army of Occupation Medal (Germany). That medal was news to Lisa and me. The stories I heard were more like: my father would escort a General and other officials as Military Police. He would not even have to drive. He said the bulk of his duties were making sure the general was &quote;Happy.&quote; Not sure what that meant. So I asked. What does that mean Dad ? He always said without skipping a beat, I had to make sure they had booze and good food. Hmm. Sounded like a racket to me. He did seem troubled because many of his friends went to Korea and went to battle. He had to stay back and always appreciated not being there. He spent time in Italy, Austria, Germany, and not sure where else. Meeting Mary Theresa Capano- This is the blending of what were always 2 distinct stories. They met at a Portuguese Club dance. My dad was trying all night to ask girls to dance and they were. Mary turned him down. Tony was a little tipsy and I think she drove him home. That is all I know. Not too sure what is fact or fiction. Maybe someone could clear that up for me??? After they married, they vacationed in Florida and stayed for almost 6 months. Mary and Tony were planning on moving there but didn't. They came back to be near their families. We went on many vacations as children. Florida every year for over 12 years. Uncle Jim's house in Laconia, NH. NY, Pennsylvania, California. My Dad was so proud to tell us to order whatever we wanted on the menu without looking at the price. And would sometimes encourage us to get Maine lobster when in Florida. Did anyone else here get to sleep and play in the back of a station wagon while driving on long trips ? No seat belts or anything. That was great wasn’t it. A game of checkers proved impossible with my dad’s driving. Rolling onto your sister on big turns was fun though. Tony looked forward to family parties. I would often hear my father planning with my mom way ahead so he could spend whatever he wanted at the bar. And of course, the dancing. My heaven. No wonder where I got it huh ? One story really says a lot about Tony Capano. Who's wedding or anniversary did Tony dance so much that the Monday following he went to the doctor and they told him he had a heart attack at the wedding. It was only a “mild heart attack“though he said to my mom. My Dad would always drive there, and mom would drive home. Lisa, remember waiting after every party in the car while Dad hugged EVERYONE left. I love that. Does anyone remember &quote;the strap?&quote; Lisa remembers. I don't remember really ever getting hit with it. Just the threat of the strap would make us cringe. I do remember one time that my dad came in my room to scold me and then closed the door and pretended to whoop my but with the strap because my mom told him to. I think he put a book in my bottom like a “little rascals” episode. Tony was a very hard worker. He would often be fixing friends appliances on the side. That’s where the nickname Tony Maytag came from. Sometimes, fixing those darn things could even go into the night. And for some reason, I still think fixing stuff and drinking whiskey are supposed to happen at the same time. For a little while he reluctantly coached my sister Lisa's soccer team. It was funny. He did not know the game that well, and the girls would comb their hair and talk about boys the whole time he said. That was funny. Retirement ain't all it's cracked up to be. He once said. Tony did not like sitting around all day. My mother was not accustomed to him home all day and that caused friction. In the beginning, they were struggling to find what to do with their days. Tony eventually went to Lahey Clinic to volunteer. It was hard for them to find a spot for him. He said no to many tasks until he found the perfect spot for himself. Tony became a greeter at the main entrance. It was a first for Lahey and they agreed. He did have a way of convincing people didn’t he? He was awesome at the front of the hospital. It made him VERY happy to help people out of their cars, get wheelchairs, and make people FEEL really good when he was around. He had many friends there. Tony eventually won the first Lahey Clinic Volunteer of the Year award that was created because of him. Gallons…of...wine... He loved his red wine. &quote;It helps the blood flow,&quote; he said. My mother was not well for many years before she passed. He took the best care of her everyday without fail. For a long time, he kept most of it to himself maybe because he was too proud to ask anyone for help. That is the true measure of a man. Things he would say: Don't make me come in there That's it, we're turning this car around and going home If they are talking about me they are leaving someone else alone. Be a man - a real man takes care of his family work hard and save for a rainy day know who your friends are Be careful &quote;Marcia, got to have fun right?&quote; he would often say. &quote;Can't be serious all the time.&quote; &quote;Steve any sales?&quote; Tomorrow is Father's Day. Celebrate it. For many years on Father’s Day, when we were young, my father and uncle patsy (my mom's brother), would paint our deck. It was always a comedic event. There was either beer, wine, or maybe even whiskey involved and it always took them a little longer than expected. One thing is for sure Tony Capano you will surely be missed by many. I once read you can measure a persons life by how they have impacted others. Well then Tony really measures high on the scale. He was a good son, a great brother, a great husband, loyal friend, and a fantastic father, grandfather and great grandfather. I am proud to call myself Tony's son! May God bless you DAD !!! I hope I can be the man you were. Anthony Capano was true hero everyday. Now go and hug your father as soon as you can. Celebrate Everyday as a gift. Eat, drink, and be merry like Tony Capano would have wanted us to do.