Robert E. Capp

Beloved husband, father, son, and friend to many, Robert Eugene Capp, 88, went into the arms of Jesus at his daughter’s home in Newport on Saturday, August 19, 2023.

Born August 29, 1934, he was the son of the late Harry R. and Thelma (Hoffsmith) Capp.  At 18 years old, “Cappie” -as everyone knew him- entered the US Air Force and served his country for 4 years.  Two years later, on May 11, 1958 he married the former Ruth I. Elicker, who passed away in 1999, after over 41 years of marriage.  In addition to his wife and parents, Cappie was preceded in death by his son, Robert, his daughter, Sharon, and his sister, Thelma Shade.

Following a couple years in a dairy farm, Cappie was offered a chance to become a Harrisburg City firefighter.  He remained on the job until his retirement in 1989, having bravely served his community for 27 years.  When he wasn’t fighting fires, he liked to stay busy doing odd jobs; waxing vehicles for the fire company and the police station; shining shoes; and lawn care.

He was a member of the Blessed Hope Bible Church, Liverpool, and was a former member of the Penbrook Church of God and the Penbrook Lion’s Club.  Cappie liked John Wayne movies, country music and going for walks around Penbrook.  He could hold a conversation with anyone, and had many entertaining stories to tell.

As a child watching his father work for the Railroad, he developed an enthusiasm for model trains, and maintained a large collection at his home, complete with a platform set-up.

Surviving is his loving daughter:  Debra Pastula, with whom he resided in Newport; 2 sisters:  Maureen Hoover and Marilyn Jacobs; one step-sister:  Ruth Heller; 2 brothers:  Harrison “Red” Capp and Edgar Capp; 2 step-brothers:  Irvin Keister and Albert Keister, Jr.; 2 granddaughters:  Jennifer (and Anthony) Aquiler and Shannon (and Matthew) Baumach; one great grandson:  Chester Watkins; (and a second great grandson on the way); and many, many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Services will be held 11:00 am Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Kimmel Funeral Home, 2001 Market Street, Harrisburg, with Pastors Lou Mancari, his pastor, officiating.  There will be a viewing at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 am until 11:00 am.

Burial with military honors will be in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, Harrisburg.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Blessed Hope Bible Church, 9 Witmer Rd, Liverpool, 17045.