William "Bill" Henry Capellaro

NEW GLARUS/FITCHBURG-Bill (William Henry) Capellaro, passed away on Dec. 23, 2013. He was born on June 13, 1936, the first-born child to Muriel Cuddy Capellaro who, with her husband Bill senior, had four more children. The family lived in Danbury, Conn. Bill attended Catholic schools (winning the prestigious third-grade penmanship award at St. Peter's School) and other awards, including a year's full tuition scholarship at Marquette University for his essay on freedom. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army, serving as a cryptographer during the Korean conflict. Bill graduated from Marquette's journalism program in 1962. He worked briefly for Northwestern Mutual Life as a public relations practitioner, where he met his future wife Helen Hausmann. Bill flirted with politics, working as an aide to Lt. Governor Jack Olson, when Olson ran for governor. Soon after, Bill moved into journalism. He began as a television news reporter and news director in Milwaukee. In the early 1970s, Bill found the job he loved most, editor and publisher of a group of weekly community newspapers, based in New Glarus. He authored a weekly column, "Bill's Corner," which ran alongside his wife Helen's, "Equal Time." Bill joined and led various local organizations and ran for public office in his legislative district. Although he was unsuccessful in his bid, he enjoyed knocking on doors in the district with family and friends and talking about issues on doorsteps. After selling his newspapers to a neighboring publisher, Bill worked in real estate in New Glarus until he had his first stroke. At that point, courage and determination carried him through a raft of problems, including cancer, stroke and eventually, dementia and aphasia. The joy and gray hair in his life was supplied by four children; Catherine, Mark, Jennie and Will; and two grandsons, Leo and Julian Rohn-Capella, round out the family portrait. Watching the kids and grandkids grow into real people was a source of pride and amazement. Family trips, dinners and get-togethers to watch the Packers were favorite events. Best of all, was a grand Italian meal with lots of family and favorite dishes on the table. All of Bill's brothers and sisters; Mary Lou with husband Bob Alberetti, Jane, David and Robert, took the train from out east to be with Bill and share some of his last days at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. A Holy Mass to celebrate his life and legacy will be held at ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI, 338 S. Harrison Street, Belleville, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013. Friends and family are invited to join the family at the Capellaro home after the service. In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family proposes to put that money in a pocket, and give it to someone in need or asks for help. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Rd. (608) 442-5002