Michael R. Capoziello, age 88, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, coach, teacher and mentor passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. "Coach Capoziello" had a long and storied life as a successful high school football and basketball Coach throughout Ohio. During his 37-year career, he played an important role in the evolution of education and athletics, both in Ohio and throughout the country. He contributed both his time and expertise as President of the Ohio High School Football Coaches Board of Directors; Athletic Committeeman of The Ohio State University; Assistant Personnel Scout for the LA Rams; member of the Ohio and National Education Associations; the Board of Governors of The Ohio State School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation Alumni Association; the American and Ohio Football Coaches Association; UPI All-Ohio Football Coaches Association; Ohio Basketball and Baseball Coaches Associations; and the Whitehall Education Association. During his stellar coaching career, he was at one time the 'winningest' coach in Ohio high school history. He was head basketball coach at Moxahala High School; head football and basketball Coach at Springfield Catholic Central - ushering in their first State Championship in the school's history; head football line Coach at Springfield South; and head football Coach at Whitehall-Yearling High School, with the best back-to-back records in the school's history. He earned a B.S. in Education and Masters in Education Administration and as an educator, was equally devoted to his students. Throughout the years, he taught Physical Education, American Government, History, Science, Health and Geography. In service to his communities, he served as President of the Wapakoneta Teachers' Association, headed the School Development Committee for St. Joseph's Church and served as a member of the Whitehall School Board for twenty years with a term as President. Coach Capoziello's greatest legacies were the wife and family that he cherished, his devoted friends and the countless young athletes he inspired and was honored to mentor both on and off the field. He is preceded in death by wife Teresa, parents Donato Vito and Genevieve, sister Mary, brothers Ralph and Albert, and son-in-law Jerry Moore. He is survived by daughters, Nicki, Gloria, Lisa (Jeff) and Andi (Kennedy); grandchildren, Ashley (Steve), Christopher, Lindsay (Corey), Kristen, Mikey, Isabella, Francesca, Maximilliano, Siena and Tessa; great granddaughters, Madison and Hope; and brother, Joe. The community is invited Sunday 1-5 p.m., EVANS FUNERAL HOME, 4171 E. Livingston Avenue. A Mass of Catholic Burial will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church located at 1573 Elaine Road. Father William Arnold, celebrant. Entombment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Prayer service Sunday 4:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the 'Coach Capoziello Scholarship Fund' at any Fifth Third Bank. www.evansfuneralhome.net

Published in The Columbus Dispatch from Mar. 21 to Mar. 22, 2014