August 10, 1934 – September 9, 2026
George Harold Andrew van Capelle, known throughout his life as Roy, died on September 9, 2026, at the age of 92.
Born on August 10, 1934, Roy spent his early childhood in the Dutch East Indies, where his father served as a senior police official in the Dutch colonial administration. His childhood was dramatically altered by the Second World War and the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies. He endured the hardships and upheaval of war as a young boy, experiences that remained an important part of his life story.
Following the war, Roy was reunited with his family and lived in the Netherlands before continuing his education in Australia. He became an Australian citizen and trained as a mechanical engineer.
Roy later moved to New York City, where he built his career and made his home. It was there that he met Phyllis, the woman who would become his wife and partner for 58 years. Together they built a life and raised three children, Lori, Lynn and Alan.
A mechanical engineer by profession, Roy was intellectually curious, independent and deeply committed to his work and his family. His life represented a remarkable journey across countries and continents—from the Dutch East Indies to the Netherlands, Australia and, ultimately, New York.
Roy was predeceased by his beloved wife, Phyllis. He is survived by his three children, Lori, Lynn and Alan; his sons-in-law, John and Mathew; and his four grandchildren, Ava, Serena, Ethan and Patrick.
Over the course of his 92 years, Roy witnessed extraordinary changes in the world. His own life was shaped by war and survival, migration and new beginnings, professional accomplishment, a marriage that endured for nearly six decades, and the family he and Phyllis created together.
His children, sons-in-law and grandchildren will carry forward his memory, his history and the story of a life that crossed oceans and generations.
