William Thomas Caprel Obituary

An immensely loved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and golf buddy to many, Bill Caprel, 73, of Sarasota, FL, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2022 with his family present.

He had bravely confronted and fought cancer and leukemia for several years – not allowing either of them to diminish his ability to be the most welcoming and outgoing and positive person you can ever know, nor stand in his way of posting low golf scores and collecting several dollars from friends on the links for many years following diagnosis.

He came into the world May 28, 1948 in Berwyn, Illinois to his late mother Carmela “Millie” (DeBartolo) and father Francis “Frank” Caprel. Following his father’s passing in 1958 his mother remarried, where he then became very fond of his stepfather Joseph Bennett.

He was little brother to the late Robert Caprel of Schaumburg, IL, big brother to Thomas Caprel (Evie) later becoming an uncle (Thomas Jr. & Kelsey of Wheaton, IL).
Bill attended and was a star athlete playing football and baseball at Fenwick High School in River Forest, Illinois followed by a tremendous baseball and football career at College of DuPage and Elmhurst College where he also enjoyed his time as a member of the fraternity “The Praetors” and completed by earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business as well as later earning a Master’s Degree (Syracuse University)

Bill became a father to the apple of his eye Kelly Ann (Mike), who he loved more than anyone can ever think a daddy could love a little girl. Sharing the sport of golf together for many years as well as several father/daughter ski trips and beach walks together on Siesta Key Beach. Many desserts were also shared – and eventually overtaken by her dad -”just taking a bite”.

Later in life, he met the love of his life, best friend, and #1 golf partner Paula (Blackwell) and married onJanuary 19, 2007 becoming stepfather to three amazing children Courtney, Jason and Jessica Pinns who all loved him dearly and have so many stories and “Bill-ism’s” collected over the years that will now be carried forward in their own lives for many years to come.

Bill’s work family and extended list of valued customers were always something he took great pride in. He built relationships with many in his 40+ years while working most recently with True Value
Manufacturing and was an active participant of several organizations including CRGI, Chicago Drug &Chemical, and Chicago Paint & Coatings Association. The first golf outing for the CPCA was 37 years ago, and in recognition of his passion for the association and the event itself – it was renamed “The Bill Caprel Invitational” on June 21, 2018. He was a member at Turnberry CC (Cary, Illinois), followed by The Royal Hawk CC (St. Charles, Illinois) and most recently TPC Prestancia (Sarasota, Florida).His passion for golf was already like no other – but his passion for the friendships at each of these places cannot even be described in words. Bill loved “hangin with the guys” and was very fond of so many people, and they with him. He welcomed all, made them feel part of the group, loved being the life of the party – whether it was his party or someone else’s. He golfed when he could hardly stand and danced when he could hardly walk…but always wanted to do it with his friends.

In lieu of formal services/gatherings, several “Celebrations of Life” will be planned in the coming months in various locations so all can celebrate Bill.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, the American Cancer Society, or the Ronald McDonald House in Bill’s name.

"I've always made a total effort, even when the odds seemed entirely against me. I never quit trying;I never felt that I didn't have a chance to win."-Arnold Palmer