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Anthony C. “Cappy” Cappadonia, Almond

Anthony C. “Cappy” Cappadonia, Almond

Anthony C. “Cappy” Cappadonia of Almond, New York, entered into eternal rest on Friday, February 7th, 2014, surrounded by his loving family.

Anthony was born September 10th, 1923 in Mt. Morris, New York, the son of Joseph and Louise (Teresi) Cappadonia.

He was married to Zora Zella Babcock in 1947 and had nine children: John “Rick” Cappadonia; Sue (Albert) Avery; Pamela Wright; Kathleen (Duane) VanWaes; Anthony Cappadonia, Jr.; Mark (Donna) Cappadonia; Chris (Nanette) Cappadonia; Therese (Scott) Delventhal; and Louise Ballard. Zora entered into eternal rest in 1973.

In 1977, Anthony was married to Ruth “Bebe” Howes and had two children: Joseph (Stephanie) Cappadonia, and Patrick Cappadonia. They would have been married 37 years next month.

He was educated at Mt. Morris Central schools and proudly served for three years during World War II with the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater. He then continued his education at Ithaca College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in music education and a Master of Science degree in music. He did additional graduate work at Syracuse University and Alfred University.

Anthony then took a position as Director of Music at the high school in Savannah, N.Y. In September of 1951, “Cappy” joined the Alfred State College family as an Associate Professor inaugurating the college’s vocal music program. During the early years, he served as both band and choral director. This included the concert choir and various small choral groups, a marching band, a stage band, and a dance band, also teaching music classes including Music Appreciation, Music Instruction and Rock Experience.

Mr. Cappadonia was recognized as one of the most talented higher education choral directors in the region. For most of his career, he was an adjudicator and staff writer for the National Association of Choral Directors, and his articles on choral technique were widely published. He was renowned for his written musical compositions, including “Alleluia, Prayer and Amen” performed at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and served frequently as a reviewer for the prestigious Choral Journal, official publication of the American Choral Director Association.

Anthony received the Alfred State College Outstanding Service Award in 2000, and in the spring of 2012, the auditorium at Alfred was renovated and rededicated to “Mr. C.”

In 1985, he retired from full-time duties as choral director at Alfred State College but remained at the helm of the college’s choral groups in a part-time capacity until finally retiring in 2007. He continued his lifelong love of directing each spring when his choir family returned for their annual Choir Alumni Weekend, an annual event that Cappy eagerly anticipated all year long.

The Alfred State Choir Alumni Association has been a testimony to his many years of service, with approximately 350 active members, many of whom have returned to Alfred each spring to renew old friendships and sing together at the spring concert under the direction of their old taskmaster.

Mr. Cappadonia is survived by his children, his wife Bebe, his sister Louise Fagan, and his grandchildren: Michael (Georgianna) Cappadonia; Beth (Donald) McPherson; P.J. Cappadonia; Mina (Brent) Barron; Christopher Avery; Wendy Wright; Jessica (David) Hines; Jason Van Waes; Andrew Cappadonia; Anna Cappadonia; Julee (Michael) Kildonk; Anthony V. Cappadonia; Rebecca Cappadonia; Katie Cappadonia; Kelsey Delventhal; Lindsay Delventhal; Morgan Delventhal; Lauren Delventhal; Jade (Dave) Scibilia; Noah Cappadonia; Dylan Cappadonia and his great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters Rose, Josephine, Joseph, Louis, Charlie, Philip, and Sam.

The family of Anthony C. “Cappy” Cappadonia will receive friends on Tuesday from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Mt. Morris, NY on Thursday.

Cappy’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Anthony C. Cappadonia Endowment Fund at Alfred State College, send to Alfred State Office of Institutional Advancement, 10 Upper College Drive, Alfred, NY 14802, noting “Anthony C. Cappadonia Endowment” in the memo. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

“The Lord bless thee. The Lord keep thee. Make his face to shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace. Amen.”

In honor of Anthony’s service to his country during WWII, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.


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