Ronald D. Capaldo

In his home, Sunday, May 12, 2019, Ronald Dean Capaldo, age 65, was freed from a decade of struggle and pain. Ron’s regular appearance with a pair of Everlast boxing gloves and Rocky quotes at his chemotherapy appointments bolstered the courage of fellow patients. His gentle kindness and words of encouragement touched friends far and wide. We rejoice in the knowledge that he is now at peace with our Lord.

Ron was born May 17, 1953, in Pawnee City, Nebraska, to Anthony and Doris Delphyne "Del" (Dusenbery) Capaldo, but became an official Iowan just a year later when the family moved to Albia, IA. Participating in football, wrestling, and track, he graduated from Albia High School in 1971. In August of that year, he married Debra Hughell and they raised two children, Jennifer and James, together for the next seventeen years. During that time he worked in service and sales marketing for John Deere in Ottumwa.

In 1989 He married Laura (Schleier) Garcia and moved westward where he continued a career in sales and as a service manager in California, Washington, Iowa, and also in Colorado, where they had their two sons, Marc and Seth.

Throughout his life Ron loved hunting and fishing, and began taking his son, Jim, along as soon as he was old enough. Ron took after his own father as a creative and skillful carpenter often delighting the extended family of Capaldo nieces and nephews with memorable gifts designed and crafted in his home workshop. Within the last couple decades he could be found bird hunting with his nephew Chris. One of Ron’s great joys, over these past several years, was fishing in the Des Moines river, near his home, with sons Marc and Seth. Second to none was Ron’s great pride in his grandchildren.

He is survived by his four children: Dr. Jennifer Capaldo of Des Moines; Rev. Jim Capaldo, his wife, Kari, and their three children: Caiden, Kinsey, and Cole, of Sioux Falls, SD; Marc Capaldo and Seth Capaldo also of Des Moines; three siblings: brother Anthony “Chip” and wife Dana Capaldo, sister Claire Capaldo, and twin brother Donald and wife Cynthia Capaldo; many beloved nephews, nieces, and an extended family, all of whom he loved dearly.

Ron was preceded in death by his father Tony and mother Del.

Hamiltons Funeral Home is performing the cremation. There will be a private family memorial service and scattering of the ashes held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be dedicated to the Wapello County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, in Ron’s memory. You may give online or mail donations to:
Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
One Waterfowl Way
Memphis, TN 38120
In check memo write: In Memory of Ron Capaldo

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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Denise Blunt

06/18/2019

My friend I miss you! I so hope that youre with your mom playing Cribbage. I will never forget you and all your wisdom in words.

Kelly Hughell

05/16/2019

My first experience in Albia was when I met Ron and Don in the cafeteria in 1970 and they extended me a hand and welcomed me to Albia.
My sister later married Ron and was good for many of years. The 80's took its toll on many relationships, a sign of the times it seems. It is hard to see old friends pass, may god reward us with with pleasant memories of times long past.

Mary Schleier Krug

05/16/2019

My sincere sympathy to the Capaldo family in their time of loss.
Going on the belief that heaven is total bliss I can imagine Ron sitting at a table having coffee with his parents, Del and Tony. If there was one thing Ron and I shared it was the deep respect and love we each felt for his mother. I am sure she was first in line to welcome him to heaven.