N. Louis "Lou" Capetola

Lou lived each day with an undeniable enthusiasm for life and boundless energy. Born on May 14, 1936, he was the eldest son of the late Angelo Capetola of Rocco Montepiano, Italy and Antoinette Giurastante of Vacri, Italy. As the son of Italian immigrants, Lou grew up with a profound appreciation for hard work, resilience, and family—values that shaped his remarkable journey.

Lou was a 1954 graduate of Tredyffrin Easttown High School where he was an excellent academic student, president of the senior class, and quarterbacked and captained the football team. He also excelled in basketball and gymnastics. His academic/football accomplishments earned him a full scholarship offer from Cornell. Instead, Lou volunteered for the military draft shortly after graduation.

Lou proudly served in the United States Army Infantry at Fort Rucker, Alabama where he was a member of the boxing team and was excused from guard duty on numerous occasions because of his military visage/presentation during guard inspection. After completing his service, he attended Pennsylvania State University where he was an active member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. A natural athlete, he played on the football team, competed with the gymnastics team, and won several intramural boxing titles during his four years, graduating from the Smeal College of Business in 1964.

In 1971, Lou began his long and distinguished career with MassMutual, dedicating over 50 years to the work he loved. He served as the firm's Chief Investment Specialist for many years, offering his clients not only expertise but genuine care, loyalty, and integrity. To all who knew him, Lou was a steady hand and a trusted voice.

In 1985, during a trip to the Bahamas, Lou met Marlene Wechsler, who would become his devoted partner for more than 35 years. Their relationship was one of the great joys of his life.

Lou cherished time spent with his family and many friends. He loved the outdoors—especially skiing and hiking—and had a lifelong passion for gardening, an interest that began in childhood and stayed with him throughout his life. Proud of his roots in Cedar Hollow and his Italian heritage, he celebrated both wholeheartedly. He also had a deep appreciation for travel, Penn State football, theater, and art, always seeking out experiences that brought him meaning, joy, and connection.

Lou was predeceased by his parents and by his loving partner Marlene. He is survived by his brother, Emil Capetola (Elizabeth McMurtrie); his sister, Melina Capetola Kendig; a nephew, David Capetola (Eve Camp); six nieces, Mary Leith (John), Annette Todd (Jeff), Alexis Leo (Gerald), Caroline Davis (Glenn), Dina Gross (Stephen), Anne-Marie Rischitelli (John), and many dear friends.

Lou touched the lives of many with his warmth, natural curiosity, and gregarious, outgoing nature. He will be remembered for his enthusiasm for life, his devotion to his work, and, above all, his enduring love for his family.

A Mass in celebration of Lou’s life will be held at 11:30 AM on December 10, 2025, at St. Patrick Church, 104 Channing Avenue, Malvern. Visitation will take place prior to the Mass beginning at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Lou’s memory be made to Malvern Retreat House, 315 S. Warren Ave., Malvern, PA or online at http://www.malvernretreat.com/ or to the Penn State Fund at https://raise.psu.edu/LouisCapetola.