Lou Caponi, LCCA President

What a shock and very sad news. My sympathies to his family, both his real family and his family in this hobby. 

May Lou rest in peace.

Too sad, too soon and too much of a loss to the hobby, and, of course, most importantly, to his family and friends. My condolences to all those who knew Lou.  He will be missed by many in the hobby, of course.  I know I greatly appreciated his creativity and energy on behalf of the LCCA. 

Rest in peace Lou!!!

I also am very sad to hear about Lou. It seems that we were just talking about him and wishing him well during the LCCA convention. It's never fun to loose someone in this hobby. My thoughts and prayers are with Lou's family and all those he touched. 

I'm so sorry to hear about Lou he really was a one of a kind. Al, would you please email me an address where I could send a card to. mathew.horning@gmail.com

Thanks,

Mat

This is very sad news.  Lou was always friendly to everyone including those he only interacted with through LCCA. He will be missed.

Lou was a good friend.  I first met Lou in 1980 and we have been good friends for years.  I conversed with Lou about two weeks ago and he brought me up to speed on his health.  Lou has always been a fighter and has been a great guy.  Lou loved his Family, Trains and cars.  Last year when I found out I had prostate cancer, Lou was the first to call me and show his support.  Thank you Lou.  Lou always had a smile and positive outlook on everything.  Like thousands of his friends, we will always miss him and take his memory with us until someone writes about us.

 

 

 

E-mail sent.

 

Thank you.

 

Al K.

I only met and talked with Lou a few times, at Lionel's Service Center open houses and at York, but he left quite an impression.  He was certainly an asset to the hobby and to the LCCA.  Goodbye Lou.

 

Andy

Whistles will sound for Lou tonight. My condolenceS to Lou's family and friends. 

Dealt with Lou when he had his stores in the Philly area, he was one of a kind. 

 

RIP my friend,

 

Dave F.

Condolences to Lou's family and friends.  His enthusiasm for the hobby was unbridled!

I will miss his posts here on the forum.  RIP Lou.

That is SO very true.  As the LCCA posting indicated, Lou had a larger-than-life personality, and I can't think of a better person to have the title LCCA President Infiniti bestowed upon him!  Seems like only yesterday that I would stop in at Train99 along Route 202 in the late 1980's.

 

Very sad to hear this news... 62 is much too young.

 

Deepest sympathies to Lou's immediate family and his close friends.  RIP, Lou.

 

David

 

 

Sincere sympathies to Lou's family and to his legion of friends from the entire staff at OGR.  Once you met the man, you could never forget him.  He truly was a one of a kind, and his love of the hobby and the LCCA was both inspiring and contagious.

Very said News- I met Lou in 1980 when I worked for Greenberg. Many times we all would go out to eat after the shows we also had lunch many times at the show during set up. We became very good friends.

in 2002 The Pittsburgh Area Hi-Railers set up for the LCCA convention in Pittsburgh. The next year 2003 Lou asked if we would take the Layout to Las Vegas. Lou always was able to make things happen.What a Great time we had.

After a Name change The Pittsburgh Independent Hi-Railers set up at 2 more LCCA Conventions for Lou. 

No matter when I saw Lou he always asked how my wife and daughter were doing.

RIP my Friend.

Our prayers go out to Rose and Dominic, Lous famly, and to Lou. He touched our hobby life at many points in our lives and made it a mor fun experience for each of us

 

Veronica and larry

 

 

We will miss you CAPS CAPONI!

 

Al K.

My sincere thoughts of condolences to Lou's family and many friends.

A name familiar to most active in this hobby, whether a member of LCCA or not..

So sorry to hear about Lou's passing.  He had such a dedicated passion for the future of LCCA and trains in general.  My sincere condolences to his family.  God bless you Lou.

 

TEX

Steve

Difficult to write...condolences to the family and thoughts for Lou.

 

A great loss of leadership in the TrainHead World.  

Sad news indeed, I knew him from York and he was one of the reasons I recently joined the LCCA. He will be missed. my condolences to the LCCA and his family.

Very sorry to hear this from Al K today.  My condolences to Rose and Dominick.  His humor and wit will be missed.

Very sad news indeed. I only met Lou a couple of times and conversed with him on the forum. He was just a great guy and a person you felt comfortable with right away. Condolence to his family and friends.

our prayers are with Lou's family. another one of the great ones gone. Lou and Marty at NJHR

 

Very sad to read this. Condolences to his family. Had a great passion for the hobby and I too will miss his posts.

I received this sad news from AL tonight when I was at work. I  feared this was coming after speaking to his wife yesterday so I called another one of his friends Steve Stanly who was by his bedside when they took him off of life support.

Like Marty above Lou was an old and dear friend who I will always miss from the bottom of my heart.

 

I think Lou would get a kick out of me telling you guys this story so here goes. I last saw Lou a little over a week ago when he came out of a month long coma. The hospital staff would not shave him because they where fearful of cutting him. You see his white cell count was low and infection was a real concern.

Well when I walked into his room he had this full beard on his face and it was as black as the hair on his head. I looked at him and said, I guess you finally proved it to me. What he asked? I replied with a grin your hair really is a natural black.

Well he gave that big beautiful, infectious smile of his and said I told you so.

 

I have many heart warming stories that attest to the quality of this man and maybe after the initial pain of the loss passes I will share them with you, but for now let it be known that one of the true greats has passed. 

My deepest sympathies to Mr. Caponi's family and many friends.  I had the pleasure of dealing with Loco Louie a couple of times about 10-12 years ago when I relieved him of a couple of MTH Pennsylvania Q2s - he acquired about 25 of them and was offering a 30% discount on his overstock. I still have them and will always associate them with the pleasurable personality I dealt with on the phone.  He was a disciple and ambassador to our hobby.  I lament his loss.  May the joy of his friendship continue to lighten the memories of all who will miss his jovial presence.

My condolences to Lou's family and friends. The train hobby has certainly lost a very valuable asset.

 

Gerry

 

Very sad to hear this. Condolences to his family, friends and the Club. A true loss for all of us.

A true shame and I will miss him.  I met him only twice but know he was a great toy train enthusiast who went to a lot of effort on behalf of this hobby. 

My condolences go out to his family, the most important part of his legacy.  I'll miss the "big man" with the infectious smile, pictured below with Marty, another icon of our hobby. Rest in peace Lou!

 

 

 

 

Friends

 

 I too would like to offer my condolences to Lou's family and friends. Lou was one of the guys in the hobby who knew many people, and many people knew him because he was one of the good guys.  I knew Lou for a few years and he was a very charismatic person. His goal for the LCCA was to always make it better. His dedication to the hobby and the LCCA were significant and can not be underestimated in both tangible and intangible ways.

 

The hobby has certainly lost an icon and a true leader.   

 

Rest in peace Lou.

 

Erol Gurcan

Rest in Peace Lou

 

Doug

Great man and friend to everyone. Condolences to his entire family.

 

Jack

Sad news indeed. Condolences to his family and friends.

Lou was a good friend. I will miss him.

Our O-Gauge hobby has lost a true ambassador of fun, good will, and for the betterment of everything to do with trains. I recently learned that he was ill, but I was still shocked to learn of this news.

 

Our condolences go to his entire family.

RIP Lou, Thanks for everything you have done!!

 

 

A spiritual train wreck.My prayers and condolences go out to his family and may Lou rest in peace.

There are no words to describe this loss.   Never met Lou in person but we exchanged

emails many times.  A nicer man I have never known.  God Bless.

Great guy.....I will truly miss him. Back in the old Yellow Hall, he gave me a great deal on a Genesis set. I will treasure it even more than usual.

 

Peter

Our deepest sympathies to Rose, Dom and the Caponi family.  Lou was indeed one of a kind.  He will be missed.

 

Ellen and Rich

Lou was one of the first guys in the hobby who made me feel welcome.  I always looked forward to seeing him first at York.  First thing out of his mouth the last few York meets was "how is little Vinny?" Wonderful man who will truly be missed.

Very sad news. My prayers go out to his wife, son, and extended family. I'll always remember Lou as the big man with a bigger smile.

 

Paul

I am deeply saddened by this news that I awoke to here in Vegas. My deepest condolences go out to Lou's family from all of us here. I have known Lou many years from York's to Toy Fairs. Rest in Peace my friend. Charlie, Chris and the staff at Nassau Hobby

This is very sad news to hear.  It's obvious Lou was well loved by many - can anyone ask for a better legacy than that?  My sincere condolences to all his family and friends.

 

--Greg

This is certainly shocking news.....   While many of us were aware that Lou was ill, we just knew he would pull out of it simply because he was larger than life!!  Strong, determined, focused....just knew he would be with us for a long time.  Obviously, the Good Lord had other plans.  I'll bet that Lou is already working on a new project up there...might be a way to take our trains with us!!

 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lou and his family....he was THE Ambassador for our hobby and leaves all of us with a sad heart....he certainly will be missed....

 

Alan

My sympathies to Lou's family and friends. We will all miss Lou's enthusiasm and love for the hobby.

 

Jim

 

I'm just sad. RIP Lou.

That is very sad news. Rest In Peace.

 

Jack

 

Bless his heart and his family.  I didn't know him, but read his posts, which reflected much passion for his hobby.  Wouldn't surprise me to find that this passion extended to his loved ones and life, in general...

The world and the hobby is a quieter place and things are not as much fun now that Lou is gone from us.

 

His endless enthusiasm, talent and creativity was an inspiration for me and for all those who knew him, worked with him, were exasperated by him and loved him. I am delighted that he called me friend.  I was so lucky to have him as a friend.

 

What a sad time this is. The world is a lesser place without you, Lou.

 

 

Ed Boyle

 

 

Very sad news.  Lou was a key player in LCCA and will be sorely missed.  Condolences to friends and family.  May Lou always get '10s' running his new heavenly layout!

My sympathies and condolences to his family.  Lou will truly be missed.

 

Neal Jeter

This is very sad. Rest in peace Lou. My sympathies to his family and friends. He will be missed.

Lou,

A husband and father. A business man and an innovator in the train world.

A leader and most of all a true friend who never said No to anyone in need.

He will be missed by all who knew him.

Rest in Peace Lou.

 

SAL GAMBINO

GG1GUYY

 

 

Very sad.  My sympathies to his family and friends.  He was a great guy that cared deeply about this hobby and added a lot of excitement to LCCA club offerings.
RIP Lou.

My condolences to his family and friends, he was a great guy

 

 

Alex

I first encountered Lou when he co-owned 99 Trains. He was a businessman who loved toy trains. He sought out opportunity to BOTH pursue his love of the hobby and to pay the bills. He was a true entrepreneur. And out of his efforts, we all benefited, not least of all Lou. A shining example if ever there was, of the helping hand of Capitalism. If nothing else, his enthusiasm was contagious.

 

 

I met Lou back in the mid 80s when her was working for Chris Gans owner of Nicholas Smith Trains shortly after the Broomall store was open. RIP Lou.

No one was more passionate about trains than Lou.

No one has done more for the LCCA in producing wonderful new items than Lou.

 

God Bless and RIP.

 

Eliot

Wow !!  what a horror.. dealt with Lou on a number of occasions him over the years ..last time was a number of years ago at the Edison show.. I kidded him telling him I thought he looked like the football player,Tony Siragusa of the Baltimore Ravens, with the one exception that Tony likely had more money in the pockets ... my prayers go out to him and his family..

Sorry to here that bad news.

I remember him being there too.  Where do all the years go??  We keep losing all the good people.  

 

Prayers, condolences and deepest sympathies for Lou's family and friends. 

Am quite saddened to learn of Louie's passing.  What a loss in many aspects! We considered each other friends for over 30 years, and he was always pleasant, positive, and insightful about my personal concerns.  The memories and many  --  how many remember the year when he had the girls in cutoff overalls handing out flyers for his booth at York?  Talk about Eastern Division fits!!!!

 

Rose, to you and Dominic I send my heartfelt condolences.

Howard Holden

 

 

Too bad. I enjoyed seeing him at York, and other shows.

 

God bless him and his family, and grant them all peace.

This really hurts. Train 99 got me started back in the 80's. This wonderful hobby brings all of us together as family. Rest in peace Lou.

romiller

 

 

Train 99   Wow, that takes me back. 

 

My best wishes to the Caponi family & friends.

 

 

 

 

Another member of the toy train community who has left us too soon.  Who can forget him sweeping into a room and dominating all the conversation.  He seemed to carry the LCCA on his back, and will really be missed by all.  May his memory be a blessing.

Lew Schneider

 

Lou’ Caponi's Obituary has been posted on the LCCA Web Site with viewing and Funeral Mass service details.  If you are going to be in the Philadelphia area, I am certain his family will appreciate your attendance and support.  Thank you all for your kind words and support in your  postings.  It really means a lot to his family.  

 

 Go tithe following link for details.  

http://www.lionelcollectors.org/lcca-newsstand/lccanews/newsStory.aspx?id=560&catId=20

 

Sincerely,

 

Al Kolis

President Elect

Lionel Collectors Club of America

I enjoyed my dealings with Lou through the years. He was a fine person and a credit our railroading community.

 

Having suffered several premature and unexpected passings in my own family, I’m all too familiar with the profound sense of loss the Caponi family is experiencing in this situation. Perhaps the most comforting thing I can offer the family would be share what a priest said to me after my wife passed on. He reminded me life hasn’t ended; rather, it’s just changed. We may no longer be able to physically see, hear or touch our loved ones but they are now with us more than ever before and never leave our sides. They are experiencing joy which is difficult for us to grasp in our earthly form and, after we’ve led what will hopefully be a long and happy life lived the proper way in this world, they will be there to welcome us “home” when our time comes. The pain of my loss is still great but I continue to find wonderful comfort in these thoughts. It is my hope they do the same for Lou’s family and friends.

 

God bless and all my prayers,

 

Bob Callahan

I'll never forget the FIRST time I met Lou.  It was 1990 at atrain show in Timonium, MD.  I was in heavy negotitions with a fellow over a 2344.  We finally agreed on a price, but the fellow said cash only which I didn't have and had not the means to get it.  I begged him to take my check, but he refused.  As I turned to leave in despair I got a tap on the shoulder.  It was Lou, who I had never met.  He said, "I overheard your conversation, and if you would like to write me the check, I'll give you the cash."  Over the last 23 years our paths crossed many times and never an unpleasant experience.  Every time I look at that 2344 displayed in my train room, I smile and thank Lou again and again.  Condolences to the family.  RIP

So very sorry to hear of this.  As described by many previously, I have great memories of visiting his Train 99 & Loco Louie stores in the '80's & '90's.  They were great businesses and I was sorry to see them go.  Lou was always a congenial, talkative guy, for sure & did much to make the LCCA what it is in piloting all of those special Lionel train offerings.  Condolences to his family.

I remember Lou from all of the Monroeville Train Shows and later on the LCCA.

Lou was certainly one of the most colorful participants in the model train hobby.  I extend my condolences to his family.

 

Norm

Bruce,  

 

Nice story.  I never heard that one before.  This is just one of the many examples of what kind of guy Lou was.  We are certainly going to miss him.

 

Al K. 

Many thanks to all of you who knew Lou for your stories and pictures. I read them on the bus to and from work and I can honestly say that they made me laugh, cry and  think "what a truly wonderful man Lou was and what a loss to his family and many friends". So to all of you, my deepest sympathy.
 As you all go through this difficult time, hopefully this quote from fellow Italian,  Jim Valvano, will help a little.   

"But think about it.  If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day.  That's a heck of a day.  You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special."

Dave Brunetti

My sincere condolences to Lou's family and all of us, loosing a friend to all and somebody who really knew how to promote and enjoy the hobby with all others. I'll miss seeing Lou around in Springfield.  I shopped train99 and both locations on McDade.  He had great shops, I always hoped he would open one again.  A long time ago I bought a mint 637 with a streamlined Pa tender.  That engine reminded me of what I had when I was young, I still love it.  I'm going to get it out and display it with one of Loco Louie's business cards.  The night I bought it I thought...He is a really nice person...and he was ALWAYS a nice person.  Reset in peace, God bless Lou.

My deepest sympathy to the family.  Lou was a very nice man and did me a big favor once at York.  I was with another friend that time who was a regular customer of Lou's.  I had some stuff bought not from Lou that was too much to carry home to California on the plane so Lou took it to his place and shipped it to me.  He did not have to do that.  He did not owe me anything but I will always remember his kindness.  R.I.P. Lou

 

Ray Sugg

I have enjoyed reading all the stories how my dear friend "Luigi" has touched so many lives.  These past couple days have been really hard.  I considered Louie as one of my best personnel friends.  I grew up in this business with Lou.  He gave me so much advice throughout my life and I will never forget him.  One story that comes to mind is in the early 1980's after purchasing all the Williams Tooling for the Tinplate Trains I had purchased the original samples of the 214R Reefer Car, 214 Box Car, and the 213 Cattle Car, which cost me a lot of money as a 24 year old kid.  I was going to all the Greenburg Train Shows with Lou.  When attending the Cherry Hill Mall Show one time a guy came up to me looking at the different Tinplate Items I was showing and asked me where I was making all these trains.  I told him in the US and he said that he had a manufacturing plant in Italy that could make these trains, which is where the some of the old Lionel Tinplate Tooling was made.  So I was really interested.  The guy ask me  for samples to get quoted and I sent him the three 200 Cars I had purchased.  After many followup phone call and many excuses this guy stopped answering my calls.  It was a huge loss for me loosing these samples I paid so much for.  This guy happened to live in Philadelphia.  I was talking to Lou and told him of my problem.  Lou quickly said; "Don't worry I will take care of him".  I gave Lou the address of this guy and Lou went out for a few nights and sat in his car outside this guys house waiting for him to come home.  He came home one night around 11:30pm as I recall and Lou got out of his call and called his name.  The guy stopped and Lou told him you have my friends model trains and I want them back.  The guy tried giving him a song and story and Lou told him he wasn't leaving without the cars.  Finally the guy opened the trunk of his car gave Lou the cars and he sent them back to me.  The rest is history.  I miss him so much.  Luigi I will see you again!  Mike

Hi Mike, Lou told me that story many years ago. That was him to the core, you don't mess with Lous' people.

 

Let me share a story about this man and how special he was. When I was helping him in the old orange hall at York I handed over a few thousand dollars to a person who I thought was one of Lous workers. As it turned out the guy kept the money. When Lou found out what I did he just looked at me and said, "that was a dumb thing to do" and never another word from the guy.

In fact he never failed to help me when ever he could.

I never forgot that incident and I never stopped trying to make it up to him, but never did he mention it to me again.

That is why I'm sharing it with the world, I wont everyone to know just how good a friend and man he was. I truely love the guy.

The first Wonderful Thing About Lou that came to my mind was that he could Re-paint the Great Lionel F3 Diesels SANTE FE'S As good or Better Than when they were new. He had to be a brilliant man. He will be missed by all Who knew him, and all of us in the LCCA and the TCA and probably all clubs related to Trains. Thank You Lou for Promoting This Wonderful HOBBY as I feel that in spirit You are with Us.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Mike R

Godspeed, Lou! We will meet again soon....

Model railroading could not have asked for a more conscientious representative over the past decades.  I met Lou (IIRC) back when Chris took me on a tour of the then incomplete 2nd floor of today's Nicholas Smith and over the years we had a friendship which always seemed more to my benefit than his.  My sincerest condolences to his family and many close friends; people like Lou don't come along all that often.

 

Bill

Hi Brian, I have a Train 99 car that I bought during one of my stops at the store. It's value in my book went up about ten thousand times this past week.

One author described the loss of a friend with these words, “When he left us, it was as if a great tree had fallen in the forest and left an empty place against the sky."

The emptiness we feel as a result of the recent passing of Lou Caponi is already well documented by many entries to the OGR Forum.

 

The LCCA may not soon see another member ascend to leadership with as unique a mix of talent and tumult as was manifest in Lou. He was capable of inspiration to and exasperation in others, genius and giddiness, spiritually devout yet playfully devilish, enthusiastic about the hobby yet a no-nonsense bargainer and deal-maker. He understood marketing dynamics and often called for bold steps forward when others were very reluctant to follow. He was usually right on key points, yet he wisely refrained from taunting others later with “I told you so.”  I believe that counts as diplomacy.

 

He understood the serious nature of his medical condition. He wrote in the June 2013 issue of THE LION ROARS magazine of LCCA – his last Product Development Report article – “I will continue to work with this club until the Man Upstairs invites me to build a one-of-a-kind O-gauge train for Him on site.”  I can imagine it now – Lou recommending placement of an ascending helix on the left and a triple mainline on the left (symbolizing the Trinity) to his friend Jesus while presenting a layout plan for enjoyment of all in the Celestial City.

 

Mike Mottler Editor, The Lion Roars (The magazine of the LCCA)

Hi Mike, you made an old war horse cry.

Saint Augustine in his "Confessions" book 10, stews over the concept of our memory.  One of his thoughts was that as long as we have any recollection of individuals or events they are never totally gone, events never completely finished because we can continue to savor them over and over again.

 

Thank goodness for Lou and thank you Lord for our memories.  May this be an inspiration to savor louie's memory by passing his generosity forward.

 

Very hard to believe this is real. tt

 

I can't say that I knew Lou personally but I sure knew him from my membership in the LCCA, this forum and the stuff I would buy from him every York.  He was one heck of a salesman and promoter for the LCCA.  His posts here were always popping with enthusiasm and excitement for whatever new product or idea he wanted to share.  I bought the LCCA Santa Fe 208 Alco's based entirely on whatever information Lou posted without really knowing much about the history of them.  They really didn't have much appeal to me beyond that but Lou's excitement made me love them when I got them.  Now those 208's will be a nice reminder of a man who made this hobby a better place than he found it.  The hobby has a hole in it now.  It will take a lot of work to fill it.  My deepest sympathies to all of Lou's family and friends.  BigRail

Mike,  well said!  I suspect Lou is in the process of negotiating the price of the accessories!

 

God Bless you Lou! 

 

Your brother from another mother.

 

 

Love you man!

 

Al K. 

My condolences.

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;

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=caponi&GSfn=lou&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSob=n&GRid=114772124&df=all&

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.