Arlington Hts. remembers parks 'godfather'
Around the Arlington Heights Park District, Angelo Capulli was known as the godfather of parks.
In his 25-year tenure from 1970 to 1995 as parks and planning director, he oversaw the design and construction of many of the district's major facilities, and in the process, the enhancement of the village, colleagues say.
He died Wednesday at age 79.
The Arlington Heights Park District was a series of neighborhood parks and recreation centers when Mr. Capulli joined the staff after working with the Chicago Park District and the recreation department in Evanston.
What started with 10 staff members grew to a department of nearly 50, whose responsibilities included maintaining 17 facilities and 58 parks.
Notable projects included: Arlington Lakes Golf Club, Nickol Knoll Golf Club, Lake Arlington, Forest View Racquet and Fitness Club, Heritage Tennis Club, Sunset Meadows driving range, Davis Street Service Center and Melas Park, a joint venture with the Mount Prospect Park District.
Mr. Capulli, in a Daily Herald interview conducted before his retirement, pointed to the development of North School Park as one of his favorite projects.
"It's one of my proudest achievements," he said of the district's iconic park, located adjacent to its administration building, and featuring a fountain, amphitheater, brick walking path, benches and elaborate landscaping.
Arlington Heights Village President Arlene Mulder, who worked with Mr. Capulli when she was a park board member and later as mayor, described him as consensus builder, who worked well with both governmental agencies.
"He was known for his sense of humor," Mulder said, "and his cooperation with the village public works department."
Brian Huckstadt, who serves as the current parks and planning director for the Arlington Heights Park District, said Mr. Capulli's passion and love of parks was known statewide.
"At the time I started my career as a young 'parkie,' it was common knowledge that if you wanted good advice, you asked Angelo," Huckstadt said. "If you wanted to meet people in the profession, you saw Angelo. He would help anyone."
Mr. Capulli was preceded in death by his son Daniel. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mona, his daughter, Laura (Dan) Bessey of West Chicago, and five grandchildren.
Visitation will take place from 3-9 p.m. Monday at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road, before a 10 a.m. funeral Mass Tuesday at St. Edna Catholic Church, 2525 N. Arlington Heights Road, both in Arlington Heights.