Italo "Joe" Joseph Capovilla, aged 91, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026. Born on October 14, 1934, in Chicago, Joe was the cherished son of Guiseppe Valentino and Italia Marguerite (Mattana) Capovilla. Graduate of West High School, Class of 1952, and honorably served in the United States Army, stationed in Germany during his service.

In a beautiful union of love and commitment, Joe married Gloria Maxine Domkoski on February 27, 1960, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. Together, they celebrated over 66 years of marriage, during which Joe was a devoted and loving husband, as well as a steadfast pillar of strength for his family. Joe was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.



A dedicated worker, Joe retired from Lamonica Beverages, previously known as Bell Beverage, where he excelled in sales and distribution. Upon retirement and to keep active, he took a part time job with the Greater Rockford Auto Auction. Known for his encouraging spirit, he took great joy in teaching sports to his children during their formative years. He also took great pride in coaching the St. Francis Grade School Basketball Team and won the league championship in 1977. A lifelong Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan, he enjoyed watching sports and golfing.

After retirement, Joe organized and enjoyed his weekly breakfast meetups with his lifelong friends. He enjoyed horse racing, especially the Kentucky Derby and would occasionally make a bet or two. He enjoyed the simple pleasure of scratching off a lottery ticket and seeing if luck was on his side. He really enjoyed the holidays, family gatherings and always looked forward to the food. Over the years, he was blessed with the companionship of many cherished dogs who filled his life with happiness and unconditional love, they each brought him joy. You could find them under his feet at the kitchen table, anxiously awaiting forbidden treats.

Joe's legacy is carried on by his beloved wife, Gloria; his children, Chris (Patty) Capovilla, Scott (Kristan McNames) Capovilla, Carla (Joey Marchese) Capovilla, and Wendy Capovilla; his grandchildren, Joshua Capovilla, Alison Smith, and Kelsey (Cody) Polizzi as well as his great-grandchildren, Haiden, Ophelia, Joel, and Elara; and his dear sister, JoAnn (Gene) Mardon, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.



Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his infant son, Joseph Capovilla; his brother, Frank "Blondie" Capovilla; his sister, Lydia Reola; and his beloved dog, Ziva.



Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 16, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Grace Funeral & Cremation Services, located at 4301 N. Main St., Rockford. An additional visitation will take place on Monday, August 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the same location, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Fr. William Wentink will officiate the service, celebrating Joe's life.



Cremation rites will be accorded, and a private family interment will occur at Arlington Memorial Park.

We invite all who have been touched by Joe's kindness, warmth, and spirit to share their memories or condolences at www.graceFH.com.