Sammy William Cappelle

Sam died peacefully at his home in Napa, CA on August 17, 2019. Sam was born January 15, 1931 in San Pedro, CA to Sam and Josephine Cappelle.

Sam attended schools in San Pedro and graduated from San Pedro High School. He then received his art degree at the Woodbury Art Institute. Graphic Arts would become his profession and his passion.

Sam met Patsy Miller at Cabrillo Beach and they were married a year later in 1956. Then came the birth of his two children Kim and Bill. Their first home was in San Pedro, but throughout their married life they lived in Westminster, Fountain Valley, CA and eventually retired to the Napa Valley in 1993. They would be married for 56 years until Pat’s death in 2013.

Sam’s professional career spanned 37 years with one company; North American Aviation, then Rockwell International, becoming Boeing. He started as a draftsman and rose to the position of manager of the Graphic Arts division. Sam’s talents were utilized to highlight and display the evolution of America’s space program. Cartooning and animation were his hobbies.

If his family and friends could say anything about him, they would say that “He was the kindest, sweetest and most wonderful man they know”. Besides his family, Sam loved everything Disney and Mickey Mouse. Anyone who knew Sam, knows that Mickey is crying for the lose of his biggest fan!

Sam is predeceased by his wife Pat, his son Bill, his sister Barbara and parents Sam and Jo. He is survived by his daughter Kim and her wife Judy, his grandchildren Ryan and Reanna, their spouses Alex and Carl and six great grandchildren; Maddison, Jaxson, Natalya, Isaiah, Jayden and Brielle.

Funeral services will be held at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on August 28, at 11:30 am in the chapel. Viewing will be August 27, between 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local hospice provider.