Charles J. Capozzoli

Charles J. Capozzoli

June 19, 1931 - January 22, 2013

Charles J. Capozzoli

June 19, 1931 - January 22, 2013

Obituary

Charlie Capozzoli, longtime resident of Dana Point’s Monarch Bay community, passed away January 22 at Mission Hospital in Laguna Beach. He was 81.

Capozzoli, his late wife Donna and their four children came to Dana Point in 1975 and quickly became active members of the community, an effort he kept up well into his later years.
A Georgetown University Graduate, Olympian, author, dedicated volunteer and philanthropist, Capozzoli was a charismatic and loving man who enjoyed civic involvement and was easy to get to know, according to friends.

“Charlie was a very good friend of mine for nearly 40 years. He loved the Lord and His people,” said fellow Dana Point resident Bob Moore. “Unfortunately in the last few years Charlie’s activity in our civic and residents’ events had been limited due to his health. But his heart and soul was always with us. He was special to everyone who knew him whether for years or minutes.”

In 1952, he became a track and field Olympian (5000m) and a U.S. champion in 1953. He was also a longtime member of U.S. travel teams, representing the country in worldwide competition.
An esteemed member of the New York Athletic Club during the 1960s, Capozzoli was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2009.

Capozzoli wrote several books, “with a desire to inspire children and adults alike to reach out, to do their best in life and to dream wondrous things,” he said in his author’s profile.

A writer of both fiction and nonfiction, one of his books, Run to Win, Love and Sacrifice, recounts his own life story as an Italian American boy growing up in New York City.

Capozzoli is survived by his sister Marion Paduano, son Joe, daughters Donna and Janine, 16 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by wife Donna and son John.

Services for Charlie Capozzoli will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 30 at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 33926 Calle La Primavera in Dana Point.

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8 responses to Charles J. Capozzoli

  1. I picked the blue candle that represents spiritual peace. Charlie had the Perfect Peace talked about in God’s Word and my prayer is that all of you will carry peace in your hearts. I am imagining Charlie running a relay race and now passing the baton of Peace to his family. Hugs from Kevin and Lisa.

  2. Lit a candle in memory of Charles J. Capozzoli

  3. In Memory of Charlie:

    I ask not what I can take, but of what more I can give. I love my fellow man and all of humanity’s challenges.

    I fear not the unknown, but play in the realm of the “What If’s” and “Why Not’s”, thriving in the discoveries and victories of the tomorrows.

    I have not strayed far, for my love is forever near. Those in need may whisper my name and know I shall answer with God’s mercy. I have transitioned from the “here and now” to the serenity and peace of life everlasting.

    Remember me, because I love you and wish I could hug you one more time.

    —————————————–

    The message through a friend

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