WILKES-BARRE — Maureen Ledoretti, president of the Italian American Association of Luzerne County, announces brothers Albert and Raymond Capozucca will be honored at the 39th Annual Columbus Day Banquet as the Persons of the Year.

The banquet will be held Sunday, Oct. 9 at Genetti Hotel and Convention Center, 77 E. Market St.

A cheese and fruit table and cash bar will be available from 5 to 6 p.m.with dinner being served at 6 p.m. Music for dancing by Danny Argo and Friends will be played until 10 p.m.

Reservations can be made by calling Louise Castellani at 570-654-6454 or Judy Deice at 570-654-7600. Deadline for reservations is Monday, Oct. 3.

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Checks must be mailed to Herman Castellani, 376 Susquehanna Ave., Exeter, PA 18643.

This event is open to the public.

Albert Capozucca

Albert Capozucca was born Oct. 9 1936 in the Corklane Section of Pittston Township to the late Albert and Emma Capozucca.

He attended school in Pittston Township until seventh grade, but was enrolled in the Hershey Industrial School for Orphan Boys, now known as Milton Hershey School, after the death of his father. He graduated in 1954 with a degree in vocational plumbing and heating and returned home to work for various companies such as Florey Plumbing, Al Mecadon and Joe Simone until being drafted to the Army.

Albert served in the United States Army from November 1959 to February 1962 and then returned home to Pittston Township when his service concluded. He eventually entered into business with his brother Ray, forming Capozucca Bros. Plumbing and Heating and eventually expanded the business with the addition of Capozucca Brothers Oil Company. The two brothers worked until they both retired in the early 2000s, but it continues to be run by Albert’s son Allan and nephew Raymond Jr.

Albert has been married to his wife Patricia since November 1962 and have two children — Allan and Amy — and also four grandchildren — Cara, Anthony, Nicholas and Evan.

Actively involved in the community, Albert is a member of the St. Joseph Marello Parish in Pittston and is a 59-year member of the Pittston Township Volunteer Fire Department. He is a charter member of the Pittston Township Lions club, where he currently serves as president. Additionally, he is the club’s representative for the Upper Valley Eye Bank Association. He was one of the original founders of the Pittston Township Little League where he served on the board of directors for many years, and he also served on the Pittston Township Sewer Authority Committee.

He is a former member of the Pittston Knights of Columbus and is a member of both the Italian American Association of Luzerne County and the Italian Citizens Enjoyment Club.

Raymond Capozucca

Raymond A. Capozucca was born May 25, 1939 as the third son of the late Emma and Albert Capozucca of Pittston Township.

At the age of 10, he was sent to Milton Hershey School for Orphan Boys due to the passing of his father, where he lived all but two weeks a year until he graduated in 1957.

Upon graduating, Ray moved back home with his mother, Emma, and grandmother, Contilia Mazzapicchi, and worked for two local plumbers before starting his own business, Ray Capozucca Plumbing, Heating, and Electric, in 1962. Six months later his older brother Albert joined the business and the name changed to Capozucca Bros., which is still the name to this day.

Ray worked with his brother Albert, nephew Allan, and son Raymond J. until he retired two years ago at the age of 75. Allan and Raymond Jr. now run the business.

Raymond married the love of his life, Catherine Hayes, on June 1, 1974. They had four children together — Jacqueline, Melissa, Renee and Raymond Jr. Catherine passed away on Dec. 9, 2001. Melissa passed away earlier this year on April 21.

Raymond also has eight grandchildren — Celia Rae, Leslie, Gabriella, Nazzareno, Brooke, Lawrence Jr., Elise and Catherine. Celia Rae passed away earlier this year on March 5.

Throughout the years, Raymond has been involved in numerous clubs and associations, the most recent being the Italian American Association of Luzerne County. He is also a member of the Italian American Citizens Enjoyment Club and a charter member of the Pittston Township Lions Club. He was a founder and on the board of directors of the Pittston Township Little League along with the board of United Services Agency.

He held various offices with the Pittston Township Fire Department along with the board of directors of the Northeast Fair. He was a member of the Holy Name Society of Mt. Carmel, now known as St. Joseph Marello Parish, along with the Flag Association of Pittston Township.

Raymond still resides in Pittston Township.

Albert Capozucca
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_AlCapozucco1.jpg.optimal.jpgAlbert Capozucca

Raymond Capozucca
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_RayCappozucco2.jpg.optimal.jpgRaymond Capozucca

For Sunday Dispatch

Information provided by the Italian American Association of Luzerne County.