Mike
You hit the nail right on the head.
A large hole has been left open in the train world.
SAL GAMBINO
Just saw this, so sad Lou was a great guy. I only had a chance to meet him a couple of times at York but I appreciated all the work he did for the LCCA and the Hobby in general especially his cretive work on the LCCA special editions. My sincerest condolences to his family, he is missed already which is evident in this outpouring of sympathy. Rest in Peace Lou.
62 is too young....we will miss you Lou.
Very sad to read this.
Very sorry to read this. My condolences to the LCCA membership and to the Caponi family.
- Mike
memorial messages can be left here;
I just got back from Lou's viewing. Of course many of the LCCA gang was in town such as Al Kolis and PRR Bill but there was a line that I think was in the thousands of all sorts of people.
The thing that struck me as reveling was that the most common conversation was the first day they met Lou. What greater testimony for a man then to have people remember when they met him. Other then my wife there are only a handful of people in this world that I can remember the day I met them and Lou is one of them. He had that effect on people.
His body was well laid out and I finally got to see him in a suite.
Rest in peace buddy, I'm sure your with the Lord.
Mario, The cross buck with HO track positioned at Lou's feet, is that still available? I would like to have one as a personal desk reminder. Tom
At the funeral this morning what my wife calls a "God wink" happened. Right before the priest closed the service with a final prayer there was a silence and we all heard the horn of a frieght train passing in the distance...... very moving.
Yes that sure put a tear in my eye and a lot of others.
A nice send off for a great guy.
SAL GAMBINO
Wow, just read this since I am not a LCCA member and did not know Lou. How tragic, such an early death. My condolences go to his family, and the LCCA. Tom Tee has it right, our memories allow people to live on and provide comfort and a sense of belonging. My Dad passed about 4 yrs ago but I still feel he is here because of memories.
The LCCA won't be the same for quite a while without Lou's presence and leadership.
Thanks for the sentiment Dave. Nobody can replace Lou Caponi, he was one of a kind. But, after talking to the guys from the LCCA I feel confident that the tradition will be kept alive. With our support and the boards leadership the memory of Lou will be made proud for many years to come.
As for the Cross Buck Tom I will try to see what I can find out, but that will be addressed on another thread.
Louie will be missed by a lot of people, I considered him a very good friend and fellow street rodder. I worked with him very closely on projects for the LCCA. Very sad news. Joe Hayter
An extraordinary person was laid to rest yesterday. "Larger than life" does not begin to cover another wonderful aspect of who Lou Caponi was, "kinder than kind" comes closer. This was a guy who was a great negotiator and epitomized Street Wise.
Lou consistently helped others and never asked for anything in return or any kind of public praise, as has become clear from the the persons who contributed to this thread and told their stories about Lou's generosity and true kindness.
Lou will be missed on number of levels most of the rest us never knew anything about. Thank you to all of you who shared your stories with us. Thanks to Lou for making the world a better place.
It hurts to lose him, it was a joy to know him.
Ed Boyle
Wow! I am in total shock. God speed Lou
Thank you for everything you have brought to this hobby. You will not be forgoten. I am going to miss his post on the forum.
Dear friends,
I am with you in this great loss.
Wow, what great friends and inspiring stories.....Guys and Gals my most sincere condolences go out to all of us. Even though I never got the opportunity to meet him, he sounds like he will be well missed. As somebody wrote, if you have a pleasant memory of him, it's like he's still there! In that case, may he live on forever! Condolences to his family. RIP Lou! Work on your celestial layout!
Mike
"Celebration of Life" Service for Lou Caponi 1951-2013
Thank you to all of the LCCA members and friends of Lou Caponi who attended the August 4-5, 2013 Celebration of Life services for our good friend and President of the Lionel Collectors Club of America, Mr. Lou Caponi. The entire Caponi family, especially his wife Rose and son Dominic, appreciate your thoughts, prayers, support and friendship. Several hundred guests attended the visitation and funeral mass. Dominic Caponi spoke at the funeral mass and gave a very emotional and inspirational eulogy about his father.
As a memorial to Lou, the LCCA set up a table with a sampling of LCCA products on display at the funeral home. All of these products were created and designed by Lou Caponi. These products served as example of Lou's passion and creativity and will be forever remembered as a part of Lou's legacy and countless contributions to the club. The LCCA will discuss and plan future events and possible products dedicated to honor and memorialize Lou Caponi. Stay tuned to our award winning website www.lionelcollectors.org or club publications, The Lion Roars or Interchange Track for future updates and information.
Just after Lou's body entered the church on Monday, 8-5, 2013, a nearby train was passing by and blowing it's horn several times. It was a poetic moment. Just before the funeral mass service ended, another train traveled by and blew its horn. It was almost as if Lou was orchestrating the train sounds from above.
People shared an endless array of "Lou stories". There were lots of laughter and tears shed by the hundreds of people who came to pay their respects for Lou and his family. Lou had the rare ability to make a positive impression on the many people he had contact with. His highly attended funeral service was a testimonial to him and his positive affect he had on others. He made good people even better. Because of my friendship with Lou, I became a better person, husband and father. His influence will live on forever. Thank you, Lou!
For those of you who are so inclined, the Caponi family requests donations to made to Make-A-Wish Foundation, One Valley Square 512,Township Line Road Suite 133, Blue Bell PA 19422 in Louis' memory.
Thank you all again for your kindness and support you extended to Lou's family. The next several months will be the most difficult time for Rose and Dom. Please continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Al Kolis
President Elect
Lionel Collectors Club of America
I had not been on the forum in awhile but I am saddened to hear about the death of Lou Caponi. Lou was a good man and I will always remember going into his stores on Mcdade Boulevard and seeing him at the York shows. The hobby has lost a good man who will always be remembered.
