Final Salute

WILLIAM “BILL” DeCAPITE, 102, died at home on Saturday, August 29, 2026, surrounded by family. The only boy of 11 children, he was born on August 25, 1924 to Italian immigrants Edward and Carmela DeCapite in Cleveland, Ohio. Though he travelled extensively throughout his life, he touted Cleveland as his favorite city.

During World War II, he served as a Navy Seabee in the Pacific theater, building infrastructure for the US Army Air Force to use. After the war, he applied his skills as an automobile mechanic, eventually coming to own a garage, which he ran until his retirement in 1987. Outside of his work, he volunteered seemingly everywhere with his wife, Rose. A non-comprehensive list includes: Kiwanas, Cleveland Public Theater, Playhouse Square Theaters, The Great Lakes Theater Company, Dobama Theater, Severance Hall, and The Cleveland Film Festival. Even this year, he was due to volunteer at Pandemonium in September.

One hundred and two years leaves an immense tableau of a personal life, especially for one always on the go like Bill. He loved going out to breakfast. If you had plans with him anytime before mid-afternoon, you naturally needed to decide where to eat while you were out. He was the kindest man. His sister-in-law, Lucy DiBartolomeo, once said, “If I asked him for help, he was knocking on my door before I hung up the phone.” When called upon for childcare during his grandchildren’s younger years, he was always there to lend a hand. He loved bicycling and would often travel locally on his bike. Once, he and Rose took a trip to Las Vegas on a group bus vacation. They took their bikes with them, and instead of going into the casinos on the itinerary, the two of them went out the back and biked along the strip. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed rooting for his Guardians, Browns, and Cavaliers.

In his later years, Bill often told others he had the best life. From his youngest years to his final days, Bill was blessed with a large community of friends and family, all of whom will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose; daughter, Jill; son-in-law George; and all ten of his sisters. He is survived by his daughter, Fran (Joe Sosnowski); grandchildren Scott Sosnowski and Emily DeCapite (Emily Kreinest); numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family; and his wide range of friends.

Services will be held at the DiCICCO & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 5975 MAYFIELD RD. MAYFIELD HTS. OH 44124 on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 11am, beginning with an honor guard ceremony on the hour.”

Online condolences www.diciccoandsonsfh.com