Joseph "Joe" E. Capone

Joseph “Joe” E. Capone, 91, Rockford, passed away on Sunday September 29, 2024, at OSF St. Anthony’s Hospital with his loving family surrounding him. He was born on December 20, 1932, in Peoria, IL, the son of Joseph and Katherine (Becker) Capone. Joe was raised in Freeport, IL before moving to Rockford in 1945. Joe attended catholic schools, then graduated from Rockford West High School, and attended Northern Illinois University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science. While at NIU, Joe firmly believed in helping those in need. He started an “underground” newspaper for student movement and activism. He was passionate about social justice and equality. The paper was underground because the university did not have a conduit for people of color or those who were discriminated by ethnicity. 

Joe and Bev's love story started near downtown Rockford's southwest side. Joe married Beverly O’Brien in St. Patrick Catholic Church on August 17, 1957, and remained married for over 59 years. But the dance and love story never ended. Beverly unexpectedly passed away at home on September 29, 2016. His family believes that his passing on the same day (9/29) as the love of his life was not by chance but by divine intervention, where he joined Beverly and was welcomed with open arms by our heavenly father. Let us rejoice and be glad!

Joe was employed 40 years as a salesman/manager for Standard Register Company. After retirement, he worked as a starter at Ingersoll Golf Course; greeting and meeting people was his passion. This 20-year part-time job was another conduit for him to use God’s gift of relationship building. He was an active member of the Cathedral of St. Peter Catholic Church, where he also sang in the choir for many years. He also sang in the “Messiah” with the Mendelson Chorale. Joe served as past President and current board member of Stepping Stones for many years. He was a faithful member of the YMCA Retirement Men’s Club and active with NAMI. Joe was also a grand supporter of the Rockford’s west side, where he was instrumental & co-founder in starting the Edgewater Neighborhood Association and proud resident for over 50 years. In 2008, Joe was the Board President of the Rockford Public Library system and traveled to our nation’s capital to represent Rockford. 

Because Joe believed in every voice having an ear and was a diplomatic gentleman, he volunteered and remained as the Treasurer of The Cloisters Board where he most recently resided. He was an accomplished bridge player who continued to play even while in recent rehab. He and Sandy (a very special friend) were fun competitors and managed to win recent tournaments. They are humble about their winnings. 

Family – Sempra Famiglia is the center of everything for Joe. He deeply loved his children and grandchildren and was so proud of them and all their accomplishments. He traveled to see all the kids’ football, baseball, soccer, and tennis games and musicals and rarely missed the opportunities to cheer them on. His recent greatest joys are his great-grandchildren. The abundant joy they have brought him and his family is priceless. He hasn’t missed their birthdays or get-togethers in person or on FaceTime. All brought smiles, laughter and pure joy. 

Joe's love and care extended to his family and friends. His children survive him, Stephen Capone of Rockford, Christine (Kent) Davis of Rockford, Susan (Wayne) Seiter of McFarland, WI, Paula (Paul) Capone-Blee of Belvidere, and Andy (Sang) Capone of Rockford; his grandchildren, Lauren (Bryson Mook) Dylan (Claire Solowicz) Shane Seiter, Hannah Campbell, Aidan and Colton Capone; his great-grandchildren, Chloe, Kian and Kai Mook; and his very special friend whom shared a love of one another, Sandy Mulligan. His children are incredibly grateful for Sandy’s love and support during his illness and 5+ years together. He is also survived by his siblings, Gary (Christine) Capone of Tarpon Springs, FL, and Genaro “Jeep” (Kathy) Capone of Farmington, MN; Karen Capone, sister-in-law, of Casa Grande, AZ; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joe was predeceased by his loving wife, Bev; his parents; his brothers, Jim and Thomas Capone. 

The Funeral Mass to honor Joe's life will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St, Rockford, with Reverend Kenneth Anderson officiating. Following the Mass, Joe will be laid to rest in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Monday October 7, 2024, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, and again from 9:00 A.M. until 9:45 A.M. on Tuesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stepping Stones, 706 N. Main St., Rockford, IL 61103 or to the family for a memorial to be determined. Please share your condolences and memories of Joe at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.