Dr. Gregory M. Capelli (1948-2012)
Dr. Greg Capelli, 64, of Lanexa, Virginia died on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 in Williamsburg, Virginia. Dr. Capelli recently retired as Professor Emeritus of Aquatic Biology at the College of William & Mary after 38 years of service. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Greg was born on February 5, 1948 in St. Louis, Missouri. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Reed; his children, Kara Capelli and Matthew Capelli; his stepsons and their families, Frank, Lucy, Gregory, Samuel, and Ethan Albert; Daniel and XiaHua Albert; his mother, Emma Capelli; and his siblings Patricia Heidenrich, Michael Capelli, Mark Capelli, David Capelli and their families. Greg was a lover of the outdoors, gardener, photographer, avid hunter, fisherman, and persistent seeker of knowledge. Most of all, he was a dedicated family man.
As a professor, Dr. Capelli served the College community as a scholar, researcher and teacher of aquatic ecology. Additionally, he dedicated his energy to the development of a course on human nature that explores how biology informs the nature of human thought and behavior. The major focus of his career was always on students, and through his dedication to excellence Professor Capelli developed generations of informed, thoughtful citizens
Throughout his career, Professor Capelli was a tireless champion of efforts to preserve the College Woods and Lake Matoaka for teaching and research, and as a place for quiet reflection. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Keck Environmental Laboratory on Lake Matoaka, and upon his retirement the College dedicated Capelli Cove in his honor. Colleagues and students alike have been deeply impacted by his keen intellect, wisdom and compassion.
A memorial gathering will be held in honor of Professor Capelli at the College of William & Mary School of Education (Monticello Avenue, Williamsburg, Virginia) on Sunday, December 16 at 2:00 p.m. Please consider memorial contributions in his honor to the Greg Capelli Fund of the Biology Department at the College of William & Mary, which supports faculty-student mentoring teams to work on environmental projects. Donations to the Williamsburg Hospice House are also welcome.
