Albert J. Caprara, 71, National Guard Major

Mr. Caprara was born in Supino, Italy.

Mr. Caprara was a retired Major after 22 years with the U.S. Army and National Guard. He was also Commander of the Norwalk National Guard Company C 612 Engineering Battalion for 1963-1966.

He retired from Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant as a Regional Manager after 43 years of service working at the World Headquarters in Dearborn, MI, Lorain and Avon Lake, OH, Mahwah, N.J., and Chicago, IL. He had also worked at the Philco Company in Sandusky, OH.

He was a National Judge for competitive roller-skating, and received the Distinguished Service Hall of Fame Award in 2001 for his service to roller-skating.

He was a member of the bay Village Community Orchestra for 8 years where he played trumpet. He had also played in other dance and local bands in the area.

Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Patricia Caprara (nee Smith), sons Jim (Jackie Caprara of Viera, FL., Gary (Carol) Caprara of Louisville, KY, Tony (Sue) Caprara of Norwalk. Daughters Kris (Henry) Bickerstaff of Norwalk, Amy (Michael) McCoy of Crown Point, IN., and Angela Caprara of Avon Lake, 11 grandchildren and his brother Dominic Caprara of St. James City, FL.

Friends may call at the Reidy-Scanlan-Chambers Funeral Home, 2150 Broadway, on Friday January 11, 2002 from 1-4 & 6-9 p.m., where Christian Funeral Services will be held at 7:00 p.m. with the Rev. Steve Blum, pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church, Vermilion, officiating. Private family entombment with full Military Honors at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Avon, OH. Contributions to the Al Caprara Memorial Fund for Competitive Skaters, c/o Firstar Bank, 32730 Walker Road, Avon Lake, Ohio 44012.