Obituary of Benedict F. Capel

Benedict F. Capel, 89, of Ft. Myers, FL passed away peacefully in his sleep Sunday, July 18, 2010, at Page Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center. "Ben" was born in Amsterdam, NY on March 21, 1921, the son of Peter & Catherine Believe Capel Sr., and he was a lifelong resident. He graduated from Amsterdam High School in 1939 to enter the service. He was a decorated WWII Army Veteran serving in the Pacific. He returned to Amsterdam to work for Dorn's Transportation after the war, and in 1982, after 40 years of service, he retired. After his retirement, he spent the winters in Florida with his daughters and grandchildren, and spent summers at Caroga Lake, NY with his son. Ben was a member of the VFW, the Italian American Club, and an avid bowler & golfer. Ben was a loving father survived by his children, Janine Hicks of Melbourne Beach, FL; Mark Capel of Amsterdam, NY; and Annette Charlie Hassen of Ft. Myers, FL. He also had 4 grandchildren and one great grandson, Christina Armand Willis of Minneapolis, MN; Melissa Capel of Bloomington, MN; Zachary and Emily Murray of Ft Myers, FL; and great grandson Eugene Sanders IV of Bloomington, MN. An aunt, Mrs. Lena Believe of Amsterdam, as well as a sister in law Josephine Capel of Amsterdam. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter Sr. & Catherine, his sister Virginia Sam Cannizzaro, and brother, Peter Jr. . He is also survived by numerous nieces & nephews. We will gather together to celebrate the life of Ben Capel from 10:30 am Saturday, October 2, 2010 at Betz, Rossi, Bellinger, Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue Amsterdam, NY. A prayer service will be held at 11:30 am with Fr. Pascal A. Iannotti, officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hope Hospice of Lee County Florida, in care of the funeral home office. All who knew Ben will miss him sitting at his picnic table in Caroga Lake waving at you while doing his crossword puzzles. His smile, sense of humor, and wisdom will remain in our memory forever.