John Joseph Capone

John Joseph Capone passed away on April 15, 2023, in the early morning hours. He was 88 years old but much younger in spirit. His loving wife Juliana preceded him in death after 56 years of marriage in 2016. John will be dearly missed by his loving family: daughter Carolyn Capone, son Carl Capone, and daughter and son-in-law Jeanne and Michael Agostino, grandchildren John, Anthony, Julia, Peter, and Maria Agostino, his brother Bob Capone and wife Susan, and numerous other family members and loved ones.

John was born in Old Forge, Pennsylvania, on December 23, 1934, to Anthony and Lillian Capone. He was the middle child of 3 brothers, older brother Frank who preceded John in death in l990 and surviving younger brother Bob who is 7 years younger and share the same birthday. As John pursued his degree in biology, he graduated from the University of Scranton and earned his master’s degree in microbiology from Saint John’s University. During that time, John met Juliana “Judy” Magni, and they married in 1960. John and Judy moved to East Lansing, Michigan, where John planned to pursue his doctorate degree at Michigan State University. However, he was offered a job with Eli Lilly and Company before he finished his schooling, and then he, Judy, and baby Carolyn moved down to Indianapolis. John and Judy had another daughter, Jeanne, and a son, Carl.

John worked for Eli Lilly and Company until his retirement in l993. He was part of a team doing clinical trials for new drugs to help the many serious illnesses that face humanity. John was always concerned with being able to help people – whether it was during his time at Lilly or pursuing the need to feed the hungry. He was very humble and quiet about giving to his many causes, especially the Saint Vincent de Paul Society where he was an active member for many years.

John’s family will always remember the special times spent with him- especially at his home and in his yard, either in his amazing garden or relaxing on the porch talking. John had many interests including fishing and playing the accordion. John was a master gardener who made his own compost, started his own plants from seed, and used his scientific knowledge to garden organically even before it became the fashionable thing to do. “Nono John”, as he was affectionately called by his grandchildren, immensely enjoyed attending their arts and sporting events. He was also an avid sports’ fan – especially of the New York Yankees (which began during his childhood), Indianapolis Colts, and Butler University and Indiana University basketball, especially during Bob Knight’s tenure.

John’s spirit will remain with us always.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, April 24, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5884 Crittenden Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 am prior to the Mass, also at Christ the King Catholic Church. Contributions are suggested to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society.