Vincent Anthony LaCapra
Wed, 04/30/2014 - 9:23pm
News Staff
Vincent Anthony LaCapra, 88, passed away at his home in Sargents on April 28. He had been in failing health for several months. Vince was born in Tampa, Fla., on Feb. 22, 1926. He was the first of three children born to Anthony and Louise (Trompeter) LaCapra. Also born to this union were Rita and Margaret Ann. The LaCapras were originally from the Kansas City area, and when Vince was a young boy they returned there. When Vince was 8 years old his mother was diagnosed with TB and quarantined, leaving Anthony to raise the three young children on his own. It was decided that it was in the best interest of the family for Vince and his sisters to be raised by relatives on a farm near Powhattan, Kan. Vince entered the Navy in 1944 and served in the Pacific theater. After the war he returned to Kansas for a short time before he journeyed to Gunnison and settled. It was there that he met Hallie McDaniel and they were married in 1959. To this marriage was born Daniel, Dominic, Douglas and Dominica. In 1962 Vince and Hallie purchased Monarch Pass Service in Sargents. They operated this business from 1962-1982. Shortly after that Vince was elected as Quartermaster of the Colorado VFW, where he served until he retired in 1992. He lived at his residence in Sargents from that time until his death. Vince worked tirelessly for veterans rights and benefits. This was what he wanted to be remembered for. He was also very proud of being instrumental in forming and coaching the Gunnison Babe Ruth baseball organization. He, along with Chuck Reitinger and Hugo Ferchau J r. , where the individuals behind the development of this program. He was preceded in death by his parents Anthony and Louise, and a son Dominic. He is survived by his wife Hallie of Sargents, sisters Sister Margaret Ann LaCapra of Atchison, Kan., and Rita (Dooley) of Prairie Village, Kan.; sons Dan of Sargents and Doug of Denver; daughter Dominica of Gunnison; and the pride of his life, grandson Trevor. A Rosary will be held at the St. Peters Catholic Church on Friday, May 2, at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be Saturday at 11:30 at St. Peters. The family requests that in place of flower arrangements, donations be made in Vince’s memory to the charity of your choice.
