Richard J. Capella

Richard J. "Riccardo" Capella - Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, and friend Richard (Riccardo) Capella passed away in his sleep at his Petaluma residence on September 17, 2009, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Riccardo arrived in the United States in 1950 to work for his cousins at the Corda Brothers Dairy. He then joined his in laws, the Mazzolenis, to work at the historic Yosemite Hotel, formally on Washington Street in Petaluma. He used the carpentry skills he had learned from his father and his experience working at the dairy to become a self employed carpenter for 25 years in Sonoma County. Riccardo will always remain a brave and inspiring example to his loved ones and friendsâ??sealed in our hearts forever. His immediate family has gathered for a celebration of his life. A public memorial is being planned. If desired, memorial donations may be made to The Football Program, St. Vincent de Paul High School, P.O. Box 517, Petaluma, CA 94953, and the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. Family assisted by PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, 707-763-4131. Riccardo is survived by his wife Suzanne of 53 years; brother Jacamino Capella, and sisters, Gloria Volonte, Elvezia Mettraux, and Marilena Zimmerman, all residing in Switzerland; sons, Richard (Lisa), Gregory, and Mark (Sue); grandchildren, Eric, Justin, John, Jennifer, Nicole, Christopher, Sean, and Nicholas; step grandchildren, Dan and Anna Carmody. He is predeceased by parents John Baptista and Santina Cadra Capella; brothers Americo and Enrico, and sister Norma Volk.