Obituary of Tulio P. Capparelli

Tulio "Cappy" Capparelli Deputy Chief South Plainfield Police Department South Plainfield - Tulio P. Capparelli "Cappy", 80, died on Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at Robert Johnson University Medical Center in Rahway. Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, Cappy resided in South Plainfield for more than 55 years. In 1953 Cappy began his 30 year career as a Police Officer with the South Plainfield Police Department. During those 30 remarkable years of service and loyalty, he was awarded numerous citations for his efforts in protecting the residents of South Plainfield. In 1976 Cappy was bestowed by the 200 Club of Middlesex County with 2 notable citations. One, as the Outstanding Public Safety Police Officer of the Year and the Valor Award; one of the most prestigious awards given of which only 4 South Plainfield Police Officers have ever received in the history of the department. One year prior in 1975, Cappy started a program within the Police Department geared toward children called "Otto the Auto." Otto was a Volkswagen Beatle car that spoke to the local children about safety awareness. In 1959, Tulio helped organize the South Plainfield Police Athletic League. He was instrumental to the construction of the P.A.L. and served as the Director until 1996. During those 37 years as Director, Cappy became the cornerstone of youth sporting activities. On October 12, 2002 the South Plainfield Recreation Department along with the South Plainfield Police Athletic League recognized Deputy Chief Capparelli by establishing the "Cappy Award," for his dedication and commitment to the community. The honor of receiving the Cappy Award focuses on the youth of South Plainfield, is awarded to those who provide inspiration for children to expand their horizons and further develop their mental and physical abilities. A Veteran of WWII, Cappy served with the U.S. Army. He was a longtime and faithful communicant of Sacred Heart RC Church in South Plainfield. He served as an usher, a trustee and served as a committee person of Sacred Heart's 100th Anniversary Celebration. He was a member of the South Plainfield American Legion Chaumont Post 243, South Plainfield Elks Lodge #2298, the Middlesex County Chiefs of Police Association, Plainfield's Unico Chapter where he received the "Man of the Year" award, and the former South Plainfield Jaycees which also recognized him as "Man of the Year." In addition, Deputy Chief Capparelli is a Gold Life Member of the P.B.A. an Honorary Life Member of the South Plainfield Rescue Squad, and served as the Honorary Grand Marshall of the 1995 South Plainfield Labor Day Parade ans was the 2006 Grand Marshall of the South Plainfield Junior Baseball Club opening day Parade. Throughout his life, Tulio always enjoyed music. He played various instruments while playing in the "Howard Mundy Band." Always humble and supportive, Cappy was a generous and inspiring man who had a heart of gold. He is pre-deceased by his sister Auerlia Limuli. Surviving are his loving wife of 53 years Preudence (Lemmo), 2 daughters; Debbie Capparelli of South Plainfield, Donna Hanley and her husband Frank of Bridgewater, 3 sons; Bobby and his wife, Eileen of Forked River, Brian and his wife, Dina of South Plainfield and Billy also of South Plainfield, his sister Tisbe Tagliaferri and her husband William of Yonkers, NY, and his brother Angelo and his wife, Virginia of Sea Girt. Also surviving are his 10 grandchildren; Heather, Michael, Brian, and Nicolette Hanley, Jennifer, Ashley, Cassie, Trisha, Grace , and Anthony Capparelli. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 4, 2008 from 12-4 & 6-9 PM at P.A.L. Building, 1250 Maple Ave., South Plainfield. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2008 at 11:30 AM at Sacred Heart RC Church, South Plainfield. Interment will follow in Holy Redeemer Cemetery, South Plainfield. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the McCriskin - Gustafson Home For Funerals 2425 Plainfield Ave., South Plainfield NJ 07080. Donations can be made to the South Plainfield P.A.L., C/O the Cappy Scholarship Fund, Attn: P.A.L. President, 2480 Plainfield Ave., South Plainfield.