Wilmington Builder for over 60 years
Gilbert (Achille) Capaldi of Wilmington, Delaware passed peacefully at home on May 11th surrounded by his loving family and companion. He was 89 years old.
Born in Wilmington, he was the son of the late Achille “Gil” and Madeline Capaldi. A graduate of Sallies and since 1948, Gil and his father contributed greatly to our Wilmington community with construction of numerous commercial buildings, churches and schools for the diocese of Wilmington and State of Delaware including St. Catherine of Sienna Church and School, St. Peter’s New Castle Church and School, Holy Angels Church and School, Sterk School, Meadowood School, New Castle Library, Stanton National Guard Amory, Port of Wilmington Refrigeration facilities, New Castle County Highway Department Offices, University of Delaware Field House, Salasianum Field House, St. Peter’s Cathedral Renovations, Diocese of Wilmington Office Reconstruction, and Allied Chemical projects spanning over 10 years and numerous others.
Gil’s passion for construction, architecture, music and the church was well known. He volunteered and served on many boards including St. Marks High School (15 years), Little Sisters of the Poor, and Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. In later years, he contributed extensive expertise for re-construction and repairs on many historical and religious structures throughout the Diocese of Wilmington and was instrumental in the design and construction of the original and new Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in north Wilmington.
Gil’s foremost passion was his family and Alice – his wife and best friend for over 58 years who preceded him in 2010. He was also preceded in death by his son Jerry in 1976.
Gil is survived by twin daughters Becky Hardy and husband Bruce of Greenville, Reyne Kutz of Wilmington, son Jeff Capaldi and wife Cindy of Avondale, PA. He is also survived by companion Donna Gleason of Greenville, Delaware with whom he shared several years of his later life. He is also survived by 3 grandchildren – Michelle Carney of Sterling VA, Valerie Cucinotta of Glen Mills PA, Tom Kutz of Belton, MO, and 1 step grandson Frank Kesser of Avondale, PA. He was also very proud of his 7 great grandchildren – Avery, Austin, Tommy, Raleigh, Carmen, Gabriel, and Johnny.
In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to St. Anthony of Padua Church, 901 DuPont Street, Wilmington, DE 19805 or Little Sisters of the Poor, 185 Salem Church Rd, Newark, DE 19713.
Visitation by family and friends will be at St. Anthony Church 10:00-11:00 on Wednesday, May 15, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. Interment All Saints Cemetery.
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