R. Gary Capitano, age 63, of Kingston Township, Pa., passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 18, 2021 at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center with his loving wife, daughter, and son by his side.
Born in Wilkes-Barre on May 26, 1958, Gary was the son of Agnes (née Lonie) Capitano and the late Patrick Capitano.
He graduated from Coughlin High School, Class of 1976. After high school he attended The Citadel, the Military College of the South Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and graduated magna cum laude in 1980. While at the Citadel, Gary rose to the rank of Bravo Company Commander. His academic achievements included Gold Stars, Commandant’s List, President’s List, Dean’s List, and a Rhodes Scholarship nomination. In addition, he had the distinct honor of being selected for the 1980 Junior Sword Drill, a 14-member cadet precision drill unit comprised of the highest-ranking juniors.
Gary then entered the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va. for Counterintelligence Operations training and worked at the FBI HQ Counterintelligence Division, Washington D.C.
In 1988, he joined the detective division of the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office where he devoted the next three decades to seeking justice for the victims of some of the worst crimes in Luzerne County history. This he did with passion and dedication. He served as a mentor to several interns who became close and trusted friends. After 31 years of service, he retired as detective lieutenant in January 2020.
People gravitated to him for friendship and sought his advice on matters big and small. You could always count on Gary to give it to you straight, not holding anything back. Everyone enjoyed his quick wit and zeal for storytelling. Underneath Gary’s tough exterior resided a kind, generous, and loving spirit. Those who knew him knew this well.
In addition to his family and work, he was passionate about football, hunting, history, bulldogs, grilling, peppers and garlic (much to his wife’s dismay). Since he was a young boy, he was fanatical about the Raiders, his favorite NFL football team. Gary remained a loyal member of Raider Nation and never missed watching a game, despite their recent struggles. Along with that, many proud moments were had as he was actively involved with the Kingston Township Raiders Youth Football program and, as “Coach Gary” led his son’s team to four championship wins.
Gary was an avid hunter with an appreciation for nature and cherished time with his family and hunting buddies at the family property in Bradford County known simply as “The Farm.”
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a son, P. Louis Capitano. He is survived by his devoted wife Angela; their children, Dana Capitano and Peter Capitano; mother, Agnes Capitano; sister, Blair Capitano; brother, Jay Capitano.
Respects may be paid on Monday, July 26, in the Luzerne County Courthouse rotunda, 200 N. River Street, Wilkes-Barre, from 5-7 p.m., with words of remembrance to be spoken at 6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Arrangements by Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home, Inc, Shavertown.
Posted in: Times Leader
Posted on: 2021-07-23
Link to original obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/timesleader/name/r-capitano-obituary?pid=199550007